Advent: Now it kicks into high gear ...

... and I'll be shutting down my computer (except for emails) for the next few weeks!

Today is the 3rd Sunday of Advent, also known as "Gaudete Sunday" for the joy we experience today and always, knowing that Jesus will be born on Christmas morning and will save us from our sins.

This is also the one of only two Sundays throughout the year where the Catholic priests (from the lowliest village vicar to the Pope himself) will wear the "rose" colored vestments which signify joy.

Tomorrow, December 17th, we'll start praying/meditating about the O Antiphons (and our use of the new "house" and blocks will start) and then we'll join in the Hispanic celebration of Posada at Church on Friday, Sunday is the 4th Sunday of Advent, Monday is Christmas Eve and then the partying really starts from Christmas, through the 12 days, to Epiphany!

So, dearest readers, this post will be the last of the year ... as a gift to my family I will be shutting down the computer and only checking emails from tomorrow until after the Epiphany, January 6th. This is a gift VERY worth giving to my family who are pretty much supportive of the time I take to write, read and play on the computer ...

My prayer is that all of you will have a healthy, holy and blessed end of Advent 2007 and beautiful start to Christmas season!