Several years ago Hollywood put out a movie entitled "Contact" with Jody Foster. The movie centers on the idea of making contact to life beyond our own planet earth. Unceasingly, the scientists in the movie send out signals in hope of soliciting a response from someone out there. They are successful and finally, the movie ends with a very simple yet so deeply satisfying message that tells the human race: "know that you are not alone".

The Advent Season resounds with the themes of calling out to God, hoping, waiting, longing and yearning. Yearning for the reassurance that God is with us (Emanuel) that we are not alone. Today’s first reading offers us a glimpse of the nature of our God as a tender loving Shepherd who gathers the lambs in his arms holds them close to his heart. In the gospel we hear John the Baptist heralding the Coming of the Lord!

In the coming of Jesus, God proves to us that he has heard our cry and wants to live among us, yes even become one of us by sharing in our very nature. As we draw closer to Christmas we will encounter more and more people who are afraid of being left alone and without at Christmas. The soul’s cry-out: "O Come, O Come Emanuel"!

May our loving deeds, our preparations, our reaching out to those who have less than us, be a true source of grace for a world still wanting to "make contact". By our Love, as Christians, we will shine forth into the night and Prepare the Way for Our Lord’s Final Coming at the end of time!

Deacon Michael Soentgerath

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Ezra the Reader says:

Nehemiah 8:3

He read from the book…in the presence…of those who could understand…and the ears of all the people were attentive.

Handel’s Messiah has given Isaiah’s poetic phrases a life beyond even the scriptures.

LET THE READER PROCLAIM Those who have ears LISTEN

Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God; …

Every Valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill made low: …