A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
Lights, shopping, and gift wrapping remind us that it is time to prepare for that wonderful time of the year of celebration. We remember the promise of Immanuel – God with us from Matthew 1:23 – f and the traditional song for the first Sunday of Advent O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.
At these complex and difficult times when hope and peace is so needed around the world, the words of this hymn come into our own lives as a prayer for peace during this new time of Advent.
O Come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appears.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, O Wisdom from on high, who ordered all things mightily;
to us the path of knowledge show and teach us its ways to go.
May this Advent time be one for a new time of reflection and relationship-building with others and God. May we indeed welcome the presence and Wisdom of God as we remember and celebrate new life among us and pray for peace that can only come from knowing and experiencing God with us. Happy time of Advent and Christmas for you and your family!!
Pastor De La Rosa