A Letter from John Cannon this Advent

Dear friends, 

I hope this letter finds you well as we enter the Advent season. Advent is a special time that leads us to reflect deeply on the upcoming celebration of Christ's birth at Christmas.  

The Advent season has traditionally been one of preparation and waiting for the Nativity of our Lord. Yet we also await and welcome the birth of Christ into our hearts anew each day. The early Church Fathers often contemplated the incredible mystery of the Incarnation - that at Christmas, God became man so that humankind might become like God. As St. Athanasius profoundly expressed, God assumed our humanity so that we might assume His divinity. 

Through Christ's Incarnation, God enters into our lives intimately to transform us to be more like Him. When we receive the great gift of the Eucharist, we open ourselves to being reshaped after our Savior. As we participate in His redeeming sacrifice, we grow continually in His likeness in how we think, speak, and act so that He comes alive in us.

In this season of expectancy, I encourage you to prayerfully consider concrete ways to make more room for Christ. Perhaps adopt a spiritual discipline, detach from unhelpful habits, or simply create more quiet space to be still before Him. 

The saints consistently advise setting aside at least 20-30 minutes daily for prayer through Mass attendance, meditating on Scripture, reciting vocal prayers, or resting in God's presence. Find what works for you. 

I vividly recall my first monastery Christmas where we entered an intentional retreat, fasting in silence with a figure of the Christ Child in our monastery cells. Taking turns spending a day with Him symbolically impelled transformative growth. 

May this Advent lead you also into a deeper relationship with Emmanuel, "God with us", making your Christmas celebration truly meaningful. 

With prayers for you during this holy season,