Dear Fellow Parishioners, I have been wondering how people ever come to know the real meaning of Christmas. “Jesus is the reason for the season,” doesn’t get much attention. Many strive to be “politically correct” and wish people “Happy Holidays.” Outside decorations are Santas, snowmen, Smurfs, grinches, reindeer, colored lights, Disney characters, and more. Even our holiday cards are pictures of summer vacations, and fun times. The music on the radio, talks about Grandma getting run over, and jingle bells, and rockin’ round the Christmas tree... I often hear that Christmas is for children. After Zumba this week, someone said, “I can’t wait till Christmas is over, just too many expectations, shopping, baking, wrapping, decorating, parties, way too many expectations.” Advent gets lost, and preparing for a new and wonderful relationship with Jesus seems to be an afterthought. How important it is to plug into the words we hear as we gather these December weekends. As I sit by the light of my one Advent candle the words of Isaiah the prophet brings such peace to my heart, “Comfort, bring comfort to my people says the Lord.” This Advent, I chose the response for our prayers for a reason, “Come Prince of Peace!’ There are so many war-torn nations in our world including The Holy Land where the Birth of Christ took place. The situation in our world is far from being peaceful. So, I am reminding everyone to grab onto the beautiful gift of Advent, one that prepares us for a new relationship with the Prince of Peace. Don’t let commercial, cultural, and outside expectations make the road to Christmas bumpy. Make a straight path for the Lord who is coming into your heart as we celebrate the gift of faith and the promise of eternal life. It would be wonderful if through the peace in our own hearts others would come to know the real meaning of Christmas!
Fr. Bill