St. John’s in Philadelphia shared a note from its pastor on Nov. 29 on the Advent season. 

“The colors in the Church have changed: the altar cloth and vestments are purple, the banners on the pillars speak a message of waiting and coming, the Advent Wreath has again appeared in a prominent way. It’s Advent,” the Rev. John Daya wrote. 

"While this Christmas and Advent season are very different from those in the past, we must ensure that our hearts are still uplifted. We can still participate in much of the normal festivities in our homes, even if we are limited in out-of-the-house celebrations." 

"Advent is a time for us to reflect on the coming of Christ into our world as an incarnational being." 

“Let’s encounter the meaning of the inspiring scripture passages we will hear and find time, through spiritual reflection and meditation, find the presence of God in our lives. It’s time to rethink our values and change our behavior because of our relationship with God and Jesus,” the Rev. John wrote.

Now is also an ideal time to go to the sacrament of reconciliation and ensure that our relationship with God is in good standing.  

It is also an opportune time to ask some questions, which the Rev. John provided.

“Where do I want my Advent journey to take me? What do I need to do to feel good about myself and where I am in my life? What do I need to do/must do to make me feel I am moving forward in my relationship with the Lord and in my life? Where do I want to find myself at the end of Advent?”

"As we think on the goodness of God, let us reflect on the reality that Christ humbled himself, taking on a human nature in order to be the savior of our souls and those of the whole world." he wrote.