I’m writing this column a full week before Thanksgiving. And I just got back from Hobby Lobby. It wasn’t really a fun trip. (No fault of the store, by any means!) I only needed candles for the Advent wreaths in the house. I know they had them last year. But, they’re not exactly in an easy spot to find. I had to plow through all sorts of Santas and trees, shiny ornaments and fake gift boxes (Why, for heaven’s sake, is that even a thing?), crowds of people piling up the stuff they apparently need to get before Thanksgiving arrives in 8 days. And, of course, the tinkling sound of Christmas music in the background. I found the candles, kind of in the middle of the store.

How easily Christmas overtakes everything in sight! How quickly we can be fooled into believing the celebration of Christ’s birth ends rather than begins on December 24!

Let’s not let it happen to us. Pay attention to what we do at Mass these four weeks. We’re not hearing much about shepherds and kings, mangers and angels. The Church makes us think about the end of time. John the Baptist talks about sin and repentance. Even Mary lives through her miraculous pregnancy to get to Christmas.

Let the Church’s prayer and worship shape these Advent weeks. Take quiet time to reflect and pray. Cut back on the shopping and give something to the poor. Pace yourselves with the decorations. (The quiet light of an Advent wreath on the kitchen table is just as beautiful as the glittering brightness of the tree in the living room.) Think about sin and our need for repentance and forgiveness. Reconcile with a family member or friend. Invite someone to Mass (or even confessions) these Advent days. Keep Advent so that we’ll truly be ready to celebrate Christmas.