First Sunday of Advent

May the Lord make you increase and abound in love
for one another and for all,
just as we have for you,
so as to strengthen your hearts.         1 Thessalonians 3

Gandalf, the wise wizard in J.R. Tolkien’s ‘Lord of the Rings’, echoes Paul’s words to us today:

“Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check. But that is not what I have found. I have found that it is the small everyday deed of ordinary folks that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love.”