Advent is like walking through a desert. The journey is so difficult that even "young men faint and grow weary, and youths stagger and fall" (Is 40:30). It is humanly impossible to complete this journey. However, the Lord "gives strength to the fainting; for the weak He makes vigor abound" (Is 40:29).

The journey to eternal life is like walking through a desert. "How rough the road, and how few there are who find it!" (Mt 7:14) However, "they that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles' wings; they will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint" (Is 40:31).

Jesus promises: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome" (Mt 11:28). Each of us can say of Jesus: "In Him Who is the Source of my strength I have strength for everything" (Phil 4:13). Our "entire attention is on the finish line" as we "run toward the prize to which God calls" us — "life on high in Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:14).

Complete the journey of Advent and of life. Finish the race; keep the faith (2 Tm 4:7). Receive eternal life in Jesus this Christmas and forever.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, July 15, 2000

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 17, 2000