Friends of the Rosary, Today, December 1, is the first Sunday of Advent and the beginning of the new Liturgical Year. This means a renewed commitment to the faith by all who follow Christ the Lord—the One who was incarnated for us. Advent awakens Christians to be ‘vigilant waiting’ for Our Lord Jesus' coming. It’s a preparation to welcome the mystery of the Word Incarnate. In this Sunday Gospel (Luke 21:25-28, 34-36), Jesus invites us to recognize the signs of the last days. This reminds us that Advent is about our preparation for Christ's first coming at Christmas and  His Second Coming. "Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man," said Jesus. The true light entered the world through Mary's immaculate womb. The light of Christ flows out into our dark, obscure, and sinful lives to illuminate them. In this way, we become the light that illuminates the world in service of others. Saint John Henry Newman described the meaning of the Advent Season: "Advent is a time of waiting; it is a time of joy because the coming of Christ is not only a gift of grace and salvation but also a time of commitment because it motivates us to live the present as a time of responsibility and vigilance." Ave Maria! Jesus, I Trust In You! Come, Holy Spirit, come! To Jesus through Mary! + Mikel Amigot | RosaryNetwork.com, New York • ⁠December 1, 2024, Today’s Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET