Beloved St. James Family Members,

"The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come." Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ who was born as the Light to the world in darkness. All denominations including the MarThoma Church, which follows the Eastern tradition, observe the Christmas season as the 25 Days of Lent period. It is a great time for renewal, rededication, and sanctification of our inner being to receive Jesus Christ. The note of advent is preparedness, not preparation for celebrating Christmas. Celebrating Advent typically involves a season of prayer, fasting, and repentance, followed by anticipation, hope, and joy. The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word “adventus,” meaning “coming,” which translates to the Greek word “Parousia.” But the “coming” they had in mind was not Christ’s first coming in the manger in Bethlehem, but his sec