Pastor's Message

4th Sunday of Advent

   “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great Joy … today in the city of David a Savior has been born for you which Messiah and Lord.”    Luke 2.10-11   

           Today we celebrate the final Sunday in this time of joyful expectation. We celebrate the fourth Sunday of Advent, having entered the “Great Days of Advent,” also known as the Novena for Christmas on the 17^th of December. We are now, I supposed, focused on only one thing that matters; the Celebration of the Birth of Our Savior.

           Advent, truly, is intended to be, a season of joyful preparation, for we know who is coming, Christ, our Savior. Advent, should also be joyful, because it is based on this firm truth that God loves us, unconditionally.

           Christmas, indeed, is the proof and celebration of God’s love for humanity. If we can anticipate, a little, this will be the message of the Angel of God on Christmas night to the Shepherds the Bethlehem; “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great Joy … today in the city of David a Savior has been born for you which Messiah and Lord.”

          On this final week of preparation, the Church calls on us to heed the call of the Psalmist; “Lift up your heads and see your redemption is close at hand.”        

          Yes, our redemption is close at hand. Indeed, Jesus, is the fulfillment of all the prophesies and the prophesy spoken to Ahaz by Prophet Isaiah in the 1^st Reading; “Behold the young woman is with child and shall bear a Son, and shall name him Emmanuel.”

          He is the One about whom the Angel of God, speaks to his foster father, Joseph; “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your Wife, for the Child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit, she will bear a Son and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”           

           As a people of faith, we are blessed, because we believe in the love of God, out of which, he sent his Son Christ Jesus for our Salvation.

           Faith in this truth, elevates us and liberates us, giving us joy and peace of heart. Faith in this truth makes Christmas a transformative celebration.

          As we, reflect and wait for this great day; the day our Savior was born, let us abandon ourselves into the hands of God, asking him to give us his Grace, that we may experience true Joy and Peace, that only He can give.

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