Like the cross atop the Wonder Wheel every Christmas, the baptismal font in church signifies more than a bath where a ritual takes place.

By means of our passing through the waters of baptism, we arise, as the light of the world, radiating the glory of the triune God.

Our own seeking of God leads us not to a nebulous construction of an impersonal deity, but to the person of Jesus Christ, in whom we find all for which our souls, minds, and hearts earnestly long.

By prayer and example, may we assist one another in our ministry as Christians and support one another in the desire to know God’s will for us and put it into action.

In the Scriptures, dreams are often seen as communications from the Divine. They play an important part in the story of Joseph, the youngest of Jacob’s 12 sons, in the Book of Genesis, which begins the story of the Jewish people in Egypt.

If the Mightier One speaks this highly of John the Baptist we need to hear him.

As we continue this journey towards Christmas, may we use the opportunities for reconciliation and recommitment it provides.

As we enter into this most sacred time of waiting and preparation, let us pray that our hearts will be filled with the Holy Spirit, giving us the courage to persevere in patient hope.

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., seats about 3,000 people, but pilgrims from our Diocese were standing in every available open space possible. As you can imagine, the spirit of God was very much alive in the faithful who travelled hours from Brooklyn & Queens.

Each of our Scripture passages for Mass this Sunday speaks to us of the importance of preparation.