Closer and closer we come to the celebration of the birth of Jesus. All too often we rush through the season of preparation to get to the celebration. How many times have you seen a child on Christmas morning, or their birthday for that matter, rip open their presents with lightning speed, ignoring the thoughts and caring love that the gifts were wrapped with to get to the end result? I served with a priest at a nursing home several years ago, and as we were setting up for a Sunday mass celebrated at the nursing home he asked me if people cared about Advent anymore? My prayers are with you that you are taking this time to be mindful of the personal preparations that you need to make to welcome the coming Savior.

As we celebrate the Second Sunday of Advent, we light the candle for peace. Peace on earth and good will to all men. As Knights, we must stand ready to defend our faith at all costs. with that however, we should not be willing to jump into a fray just to defend the faith. That defense should be the last resort. Peace is not always achieved by those who are more prepared for war. Peace is achieved first and foremost by the prevention of war and strife. If we spend our time committed to the tenants of our order, the practices of faith, hope, and charity, the gospel of Christ is shared.

In the same way that our patron saint, St. John the Baptist prepared the way of the Lord, let us do our part this second week of advent to prepare the way of the Lord, through our thoughts, words, and actions.