Yesterday, we said that Advent was like mountain-climbing. In Advent, we climb not just any mountain but God's holy mountain where the Holy Spirit instructs us (Is 2:3; see also Jn 14:26). The Holy Spirit also rests on us (Is 11:2), as the dove rested after Noah's flood. On "holy mountain," there is perfect harmony — no conflict, harm, or ruin (Is 11:9). With the Spirit teaching us God's word (see Jn 14:26), the Lord sends us down the mountain to make all the valleys and the whole world like the mountain. The Spirit renews "the face of the earth" (Ps 104:30).

This Advent, climb holy mountain and receive the true Christmas Spirit, the Holy Spirit. Then come down the mountain into the year of the Holy Spirit in preparation for the Great Jubilee year 2000, and the beginning of the third millennium. By the power of the Holy Spirit, don't let the problems of the new year push you into quenching the Holy Spirit of Christmas (see 1 Thes 5:19). Rather, let the miracle of Christmas permeate and transform the whole year. May Christ and Christmas take over the world. It all begins with our Advent climb to receive the Holy Spirit on God's holy mountain. As we begin the year of the Holy Spirit, pray: Come, Holy Spirit, renew the face of the earth!

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, June 1, 1997

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 9, 1997