When the Church began to celebrate Christ's birth, it noticed that many people did not meet Christ at Christmas. They continued to sin, were trapped in the ways of the world, and had only a superficial faith. Then the Holy Spirit directed the Church to prepare spiritually for Christmas from December 17-24, the eight days before Christmas. This was a significant improvement. More people encountered Jesus and deepened their faith. Nevertheless, large numbers of Christians remained lukewarm in their faith, thus being a hindrance to those who would come to Christ. Once again, the Holy Spirit guided the Church by calling it to lengthen Advent to a span of three to four weeks. This worked much better. Conversions abounded, and evangelization was zealous.

As Lord Acton said, those who don't know history are condemned to repeat the mistakes of their forebears. Centuries ago, people tried to get by without Advent — only to deprive themselves of a real Christmas encounter with Christ. Even a short Advent often proved a failure. History tells us we need every minute of Advent. The true meanings of Christmas are so great that it is a miracle to prepare for it in only three or four weeks. We must not waste even one precious moment of Advent. Have a full and holy Advent leading to a Christmas intimacy with Christ beyond anything we can think of or imagine (see Eph 3:20).

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert A. Stricker, June 23, 2003

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 26, 2003