Advent is almost over, with Christmas just a week away, but throughout these past three weeks, since the First Sunday of Advent on November 30th, our refectory has been graced with the traditional Advent wreath with its three purple candles, for the first, second and fourth weeks of Advent. The rose-colored candle is for the third week of Advent–this week in fact–days associated more with rejoicing, as the days of the Lord’s coming draw near.
Each day during Advent we light the appropriate candles at the beginning of our prayer for the midday meal and call to mind the “reason for the season,” as we await the celebration of the Birth of the Lord on December 25th.
The background of today’s photo is a portion of the mural on our refectory’s east wall, depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Juan Diego, Saint Francis and Saint Benedict. May they intercede for us all!
These past weeks have been unseasonably warm, but with no rain or snowfall. This has been pleasant enough, but of concern for the continuation of drought-like conditions in the great Southwest. We await and pray for moisture in this part of the world.
To all our families, friends and benefactors and oblates, we wish a peaceful Christmas preparation and assure you of our prayers. Please keep us in yours. Thank you.
Abbot Christian and the monks
