We are a people of hope! What do you hope for the most?  I hope for good health for myself and my family, I hope for peace in the world. On a lighter note, I hope my favorite sports teams win!  I hope for more choir members!  But, what about hope for eternal life!  How often do we hope for that!  We wait in “Joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ”, as stated in the embolism at Mass,  every day of our mortal lives.  Unlike the Old Testament people, we live in a time after the coming of Jesus in history.   Secondly, we differ from the Old Testament people, because we recognize that Jesus is already in our midst. He is not far off.  Mary, the Mother of God, and St. John the Baptist lead us to Jesus as they encountered Jesus manifest in the flesh.  In   verse 2 of “Come, Thou, Long Expected Jesus”, we sing of this hope which brings us great joy!  Happy Advent! , and Happy New liturgical Year to all!