A different kind of Advent

After the earthquake on September 19, thousands in our city had to abandon their residences. This apartment building, right across the street from our neighborhood, left more than a few people homeless. In fact, many who left this building have been camping out in the park behind it.

This past weekend, 2 1/2 months after the quake, workers scaled the building and began tearing down the upper portion with sledge hammers. Today, some heavy duty machinery continued the work.

Please continue to pray for Mexico City. Many buildings in our area remain uninhabitable but have yet to be demolished (or repaired). Which equates to thousands of residents unable to return to their homes or their businesses. A sad state of affairs especially at this time of year.

Yesterday began the season of Advent - the season of waiting and hoping. We light our advent candles in patient but hopeful longing for the light of the world to shine in our midst. We make ready our hearts in hopeful anticipation to welcome the Christ child into our homes. But for many in our city, it'll be a different kind of Advent. A different season of longing.

As we prepare for the holidays in the days and weeks to come, will you join us as we remember in prayer and serve our displaced neighbors who also wait and hope for a brighter future and a secure home?

Almighty God, give all of us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.*



*Tickle, Phyllis. Christmastide: Prayers for Advent Through Epiphany from The Divine Hours (p. 10). The Crown Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.