The Friday-after-Thanksgiving shopping spree is the epitome of mall madness: Tortuous lines at the Toys'R'Us! Whiny kids on Santa's lap! ATM withdrawal pains! Circuitous circling in the parking lot to find that one free space! Ah, the holiday season is upon us. Nothing says "Christmas" better than stress, tired feet, glazed eyes, and empty wallets, right?

Wrong! There is another way. The Church extends a warm welcome to you on the four Sundays before Christmas. You'll be greeted not by flashy tinsel and garland but by somber tones of deep purple and blue. Instead of the canned joy of "Winter Wonderland" you'll hear the soothing chant of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel." Looking for a huge abundantly decorated Christmas tree? You won't find one in church — not yet, anyway. Instead, you'll see a simple evergreen wreath with four candles that are lit one week at a time.

"Hey!" says Charlie Consumer. "Get with the program, Church! It's December! Where's all the Christmas stuff?"

"Hey, back at ya!" says the Church. "Watch! Wait! Prepare the way of the Lord!"

Clearly, the Church is out of step with the rest of the world this month. Or is it the other way around? The Church does not celebrate Christmas until December 25, even though modern society might dictate otherwise. Instead, the Church gives us a truly wonderful pre-Christmas gift: the season of ADVENT, a Latin word that literally means "to come."

Feeling stressed and frenzied? Wondering how you're going to meet all those December deadlines of shopping, gift wrapping, cooking, mailing, semester exams and term papers, traveling, and all the other tasks that seem to pile up at this time of year? Relax! Enter into the Zone — the Advent Zone. As you come to Mass, listen to the wisdom of God's word.

The Sunday readings reveal four basic Advent themes that will help us bring a spiritual perspective to these demanding weeks before Christmas. The suggested songs will warm your soul this chilly winter as you pray these themes.

1st Sunday of Advent: Watch and wait! Christ is coming!
The first reading from Isaiah speaks of quaking mountains and God's wrath. The glitter of the shopping mall might seem more attractive, but that's the whole point. In the midst of all the artificial warm fuzziness comes God, who will not be tamed by commercial expectations. Can we just let God be God?
Surrender All
God With Us

2nd Sunday of Advent: John the Baptist — Ready the way!
The cousin of Jesus is a vital figure during Advent as he points the way to the coming of the Lord. Just how ready are we?
Ready the Way
Tryin' To Get Ready

3rd Sunday of Advent: Rejoice!
Mary's Magnificat in the Responsorial Psalm sets the theme: "My spirit rejoices in God my Savior!" What truly gives us joy in life? Are we too enamored of material goods? Can we find our joy in God?
Holy Is His Name
Emmanuel

4th Sunday of Advent: Mary
Mary said "Yes" to God's call to be the mother of his Son. As Christmas approaches, can we join her in affirming the presence of God within us?
You Humbly Followed
I Rejoice

I pray that this Advent season will be a holy time for you. Let go of stress! Watch and pray! May the Lord's coming bring you lasting joy!