It's still Advent!

It's the third week of Advent so NOT Christmas yet. The Rose candle was lit on Gaudete Sunday and starting tonight we can praise the names of Jesus in the O Antiphons leading to the vigil of the Nativity: Wisdom, Ruler of the House of Israel, Root of Jesse, Key of David, Rising Dawn, King of the Gentiles and Emmanuel. It's a great time to go carolling and keep the story of Christmas alive in our ever increasingly secular surroundings. This year here in the northeast of England it looks as though we may well have snow for our carolling event tomorrow.  Lovely! Wrap up warm, carry lanterns, song sheets if needed and at least a couple of strong voices. Collect for charity. Back indoors for mulled wine and mince pies. You can begin to feel a bit Christmassy! Take time to prepare your soul this week for the coming of the Christ child - Sacrament of Confession, spiritual reading , quiet prayer.