Dear friends in Christ

The Mass of this Sunday opens with the words of Saint Paul, in which he urged the first Christians of Philippi: Rejoice in the Lord always, again, I say, rejoice! And the apostle goes on to give the basic reason for his profound happiness: the Lord is at hand. This is also the joy of Advent, and that of every day: Jesus is very near us. Even though we have many difficulties in life, to have the certainty that God is our Father, and wants everything that is best for us, gives us a serene and joyful confidence. In order to reach God and to grow in virtue, we need to have profound joy. Moreover, if we live each day in all its aspects with joy, we will be a great inspiration and help to those around us; because happiness draws others to God.

One of the best ways we can be ready for Christmas is by being close to Mary and Joseph. One of the ways we get ready for the holy season of Christmas is by nurturing an atmosphere of serene peace where we live and work, and by doing all we can in small ways to bring pleasure and affection to those around us. Our world needs to be convinced that Christ has really been born in time, in Bethlehem, and few things are more convincing than the joy of Christians, even in the midst of so much pain and suffering in the world. Our Lady and Saint Joseph knew many such sufferings, but their problems did not cause them to lose joy, because God became flesh and dwelt amongst us.

God bless you!

Msgr Kevin Hale