Maranatha!

The wolf lives with the lamb, the panther lies down with the kid, calf and lion feed together, with a little boy to lead them.

Is.11:6

Isaiah prophesies the glorious arrival of the "Root of Jesse" and the change of world order from aggression and destruction to joy and peace.

This wonderful season of Advent is a time of preparing the way, of expectancy, of straining forward to something glorious just over the horizon. Isaiah describes who and what it is I am preparing, expecting, straining. Jesus' return.

Christmas celebrates Jesus' first coming. Advent anticipates his second. This is the source of my optimism and joy. 

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus come!

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.