Dear People of God,

A poet once mused, “Time spins, one dusk, one dawn. To puff our friendship, to sail on…” I remember (somewhat cringingly) writing these lines back in the days when young people owned what was called an Autograph Book. For the benefit of the younger generation, this was a somewhat fancy book with blank pages that one passes to friends, typically before school graduation, for them to pen a line or two and perhaps include a photo as a memento keepsake for the future. 

I doubt this practice exists these days when even letter-writing is a fast-disappearing tradition. Call me nostalgic but we seem to be losing the art of penning down our thoughts and feelings. Instead, we type them out in electronic text messages that are not as lasting or endearing as on a letter. 

As we enter a new season of Advent, let us be conscious and grateful for the Word of God that has been handed on to us in writing. Imagine what we would be bereft of if the Patriarchs, the prophets, the Evangelists, St. Paul and the apostles had not written down their thoughts. Is there anyone among us who still sends Christmas cards at this time of the year? Blessed are you if you do!

Let us also use this time to reflect upon the year that is ending. Let gratitude be on our lips and in our hearts as we prepare for the nativity of our Lord. Look out for upcoming Advent activities in the parish that will draw us to the true spirit of Christmas – for there is more joy in giving than in receiving. Pray too for the joy of knowing that while all things are passing and temporal, the Word of God is eternal. 

This Word is seeking a home to be born in, a friendship to be forged. Nothing fancy for even a manger will do.

A blessed season of Advent to one and all. 

Fr. Alvin Ng Sze Syn, SJ