Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The readings for today tell us to, ”prepare our hearts and remove the sadness that hinders us from feeling the joy and hope that His presence will bestow.”

What is the secret of Christmas joy? It is rejoicing in the Lord. The Lord is near…He is with us. Once this is a reality in a person’s life, there will be joy. We hear at Christmas time, “Listen, I bring you news of great joy to be shared by the whole people.” Joy in the Lord is forward looking…the essence of our enjoyment is in the anticipation…Christ will come again to bring us eternal joy. God, who created this world with its goodness and beauty, created joy. Also, He is love, He is joy. Living in Jesus, living well, moral living…brings joy. It happens as a result of being a “Christian.”

Another theme that comes out of our reading for this Advent Sunday is prayer. As we work to prepare ourselves for Jesus, one of the most important ways to do that is through prayer. Talking to God in praise, thanking and asking in prayer, St. Paul wrote in his letter to the Thessalonians that we should pray and rejoice always and never stop. That is a marvelous way for us to be ready for Jesus.

Cheer up-------have a joyous week.

Deacon Del