In our secular society, the celebration of Christmas is very much influenced by commerce and the "shopping season." For this reason, we see Christmas decorations in stores and homes earlier and earlier. For many it is already "Christmas" and its celebration will conclude on December 26 or whenever CVS, a local restaurant, or the banks start taking down their decorations. As was recently noted, "Today, popular culture moves very quickly from Halloween to Christmas."

The church calendar, the liturgical year, follows a very different rhythm. We are in the midst of Advent, a time that invites a more reflective pace and preparation so that we might begin our Christmas celebration on December 24 and continue through the Epiphany on January 8 and the Baptism of the Lord on January 9.

Among those preparing for the Christmas season as a parish are our singers, cantors, and musicians under the direction of John Leslie. Their talents and efforts will assure that all our liturgies beginning on Christmas Eve and continuing through our celebration of New Year's and the Epiphany reflect the beauty and joy of the season.

Please keep all of them in your prayers as they prepare to lead us in song. We are blessed with the generosity of these gifted men and women who lead us to rejoice!