Fourth Sunday of Advent

My dear Friends in Christ,

In a couple of days, a Savior will be born for us. Advent is a time of expectations, of waiting, of anticipation of fulfillment. Our readings today all relate to that anticipation — and all refer to one way or another in which the Lord fulfills those expectations not in our own worldly understanding, but through His will and wonder. Often, we try to anticipate too much. We let our own worldliness get in the way of our relationship with the Lord. We should enjoy the season of anticipation by embracing the gift from the Lord, who knows us far better than we know ourselves, and give ourselves over to the joy of living in His love. May we revel in the true joy and fulfillment given to us in the wonderful, awesome gift of Jesus Christ. The Prophet Micah writes: “He shall stand firm and shepherd His flock by the strength of the LORD, in the majestic name of the LORD, his God.” I’m not sure if I’ve stood firm, but I do know that without the strength of the LORD, I would be an ineffective Pastor.

The October Blood Drive was very successful as it yielded 45 donations. The next drive will be in January. A special thanks to Rose Declet who coordinates with the American Red Cross and schedules all of the appointments. See the article for details of the next drive.

For those of you who will not be with us on Christmas, be safe in your travels and know that you are in my prayers.

Merry Christmas!

May God bless you all,

Father John