Dear Brothers and Sisters,

To help us understand the importance of the family, the Catholic Church gives us the celebration of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Who is the Holy Family? The word “holy” literally means “set apart” by God for God. Of course, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are the Holy Family but by celebrating them, we also celebrate the fact that all families are called to be holy, to be set apart by God for God. From the beginning, God created mankind to be in families. As part of God’s original plan, He created the union of husband (Adam) and wife (Eve). This was the first marriage and the foundation of all families. This is why marriage is the union between one man and one woman. God created marriage and we cannot change God’s creation of marriage.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Peace and Joy in Our Lord Jesus!

It has been a good advent, albeit a quick one from my perspective. I think that means I am getting old. If you are traveling this week, have safe journey and Merry Christmas! If you are in town for Christmas, I look forward to seeing you again this evening or tomorrow for Christmas Mass and extending the Christmas greetings to you in person!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Peace and Joy in Our Lord Jesus!

Maranatha! It simply means, “Come Lord Jesus!” This simple prayer of the early Christians was offered because they expected the Lord’s return at any moment. As they waited for His coming, they lived like it and they were joyful about it. Today is a reminder that the celebrations of Christ’s coming are soon.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Our family has had the tradition of putting up the Christmas tree right after Thanksgiving. For many years we had an artificial tree. Some years we would go and cut down our tree from some place up north that allowed us to do that for a small fee. This year we went to a Christmas tree lot like many people do. That whole process of getting a tree and decorating it got me thinking. Why do we have a tree and why do we bring the tree into our house?

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Advent is the season is a time of preparation and anticipation of the coming of the Christ Child at Christmas. The four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas. The Advent season also directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time.