Fourth Sunday of Advent

12-22-2024Weekly ReflectionFr. Fred Adamson

Dear Parishioners,

Today we celebrate the 4th Sunday of Advent and it is just two days until Christmas. It is important to savor these last days of preparation and waiting in active hope. The readings from the Gospel of Luke give us the account of Mary visiting her cousin Elizabeth who is with child in her old age. This story is one that reveals that we are created for relationship. We are privileged to “hear” the conversation between these two women and even between the children in their wombs, John the Baptist and Jesus.

This story in history reminds us of how we are called to care for one another and to rejoice in the goodness of God. It leaves us in joyful hope for the rest of the story that we celebrate during the Christmas season. God is with us… Emmanuel, rejoice!

Christmas Eve will be a busy here at the parish as God’s people fill the Church and Parish Hall with all those who have been drawn to celebrate the mystery of a God that loves them and saves them. It is beautiful to see that amidst the busyness of Christmas Eve, families take time to come to Mass and take in the fullness of God’s gift to us revealed in mystery; that His Son is present to us in Word and Sacrament. It reveals to me the deep longing we have to have for true meaning in our lives and the need to be saved, loved. We will have many guests on campus visiting us from many places over the holidays. We invite and welcome them into our spiritual home – we are called to echo God’s happiness that they have found their way home and pray that the Lord will touch their hearts with His grace. That means for us “regulars” preparing our hearts for the craziness of a full parking lot, people sitting in our normal Sunday seats, and people not always familiar with our liturgy. We remember that we are all God’s children and there is great hope that He can move our hearts with the mystery of the birth of His Son. I have no doubt that God rejoices in his home being filled.

Please take time to visit the crèche as a family. There is a special prayer printed here in the bulletin for you to pray both here in Church as well as in your own home. Take a piece of straw home with you as a reminder of the gift of Jesus in your life. WE need reminders of His love.

As we transition into the season of Christmas, strive to keep the season alive until Feast of the Baptism of the Lord on January 12th. For us, Christmas is more than a day but a season to rejoice in God’s saving grace.

On behalf of the parish staff, Fr. Ryan and myself – we wish you a blessed Christmas season. We are grateful to God for His abundant gifts revealed in this community. Thank you for your generosity and support of the mission of Jesus here in our parish community throughout the year. We are grateful for the cookies, presents and Christmas wishes you have extended to us. Each one reminds us of the outpouring of God’s love and care for this community.

May the last few days of Advent be filled with hope and longing as we prepare to celebrate the gift of our Savior – Jesus Christ.

Advent peace and Christmas hope,

Fr. Fred