" To predispose our mind to welcome the Lord who, as we say in the Creed, one day will come to judge the living and the dead, we must learn to recognize min as  present in the events of daily life. Therefore, Advent is, so to speak, an intense training that directs us decisively toward him who already came, who will come, and who comes continuously." (Pope St. John Paul II) 

How have we entered this Advent season so far? We are half way through the four weeks of preparation. We may have already thought of some of the Christmas gifts we want to give this year. We may have already ordered or purchased some. Since it is Christ's birthday we are planning to celebrate, have we also thought of what gift we will give Jesus? Oops! Is that out of order or is that the more important question? What can we give to the One who is the Creator of everything? Have we thought of ourselves, the gift that would please the Lord? He came to give himself to us. He waits for the gift of ourselves in return.