Noting that the season of Advent is “a time of waiting, but it is not a time to sit around and wait for someone to do something,” Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori urged all to take this time and reach out to families and to strangers.

The Presiding Bishop’s video Advent message, taped on the grounds of the Cathedral Church of St. John The Divine in New York City, is available on the home page of The Episcopal Church website: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/index.htm

In the liturgical calendar, Advent is the season leading up to Christmas. The first Sunday of Advent was November 29.

“Advent is a time of expectation and hope,” she said.  “We are in a time in the world’s history when we are in a great deal of darkness.”

She urged all: “It’s a time to remember those who are suffering, around us and far away.  I urge you to remember those who are at war, those who are returning from war and their needs.

Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori concluded:  “You have an ability to make a difference. We live in expectation of a world that is healed.”