Fifty seven years ago a cartoon premiered two weeks before Christmas without much fanfare or confidence it would be viewed. A cast of children, a sarcastic dog, pitiful tree and a jazz soundtrack, the show became a beloved annual Christmas staple. Innocence, doubt, kindness, meanness, fragility, hope, and light, all mixed together as a display of our humanity approaching Christmas.

Fourteen years ago, six months into a new parish assignment, the early Christmas Eve Mass was one to remember. A predicted snowstorm swelled up on the afternoon of the 24th, high winds and an accumulation of snow.

Guadete Sunday, Latin for “rejoice.” Advent is a time of preparation and reflection, patience and anticipation. As we light the third candle—rose colored—we are reminded that God who loves us all is still in charge, and we await his coming not in fear, but in joy.

Our Advent Penance Services will be held on Sunday, December 11th at 1pm at Sacred Heart in Boone and 3pm at St. Malachy in Madrid.

Last Wednesday Fr. Jim Bruch turned eighty three. Residing in Manson, he is comfortable in the parish rectory and able to assist with daily Mass, Confessions and other the Sacraments when needed.