Renewal in Advent Hope

Dear Father, every year at Advent I promise that I am going to take time to grow closer to you. I make plans to attend church more often and spend more time in prayer. And then, the excitement of the season sets in—parties and shopping and things that have nothing to do with you—and I don’t make you a priority. Let me keep my thoughts on you this Christmas. Let me always remember that as people are buying presents and hanging decorations, that this is the celebration of the birth of Christ. Keep me ever conscious of the greatness of your love. May this Advent be the rebirth of my union with you.