December 15, 2019

On this third Sunday of Advent, we celebrate Joy!

On this third Sunday of Advent, we celebrate the joy that comes from knowing Christ as Emmanuel, God with us. Christmas is approaching very quickly and the knowledge that God loves us so much He desired to become one of his creatures that inspires great joy in our hearts.

However, this time of year can be a very painful and depressing time for many  people and for many reasons. Let us all be sensitive to those who may be struggling and need our understanding, compassion and support at this time of year.

Some people may be suffering because they are lonely. Others may be depressed because of the recent loss of a loved one or are missing a loved one who has been gone for a long, long time. There are families who struggle because they feel their financial situation does not allow them to shower gifts on their loved ones like they feel they deserve or would like to. Others may be suffering because of some broken relationship that separates them from family members or co-workers. Still others may be filled with great regret because of the heavy burden of addiction or because of an event in their lives that has hurt themselves or others.

No matter what the cause of one’s depression or grief Jesus comes to heal and restore. May you and I be instruments of Christ’s presence in our world that can be so cold and dark for so many. As Jesus commanded his disciples, let us be his Light in our world. Maybe the best Christmas gift you could offer anyone this year is your compassion, understanding, and a friendly smile. Many times, the most precious or valuable gift we can give is not any material or store bought item at all. Often times, it is simply being Christ to another.

On this joyful Sunday, may we embrace the joy of Jesus Christ and truly give his comfort and peace intentionally to another human being, or even a complete stranger. Just think what an amazing parish and community this would be if every single one of us made that our intention and gift to one another this Christmas!

God love you,