Journey to Christmas

The Fourth Week of Advent is here and leading us to the great Solemnity of Christmas. There is a quote that I read over the weekend which puts this all into perspective. This quote comes from Blessed John XXIII, "Holy Christmas is approaching. Everything in the grotto of Bethlehem is a living lesson for all who wish to live by our faith, and be faithful to it." That is a beautiful image for all of us! In our churches and our homes, we will be putting our manger scenes up so we can see that lesson each day during Christmas Time. Let us not forget the image of the grotto of Bethlehem because we live with the joy of Christmas everyday of our lives. The Church Year goes in cycles and it is a continual reminder of God's great love for each of us. God loves us so much that He sent His only Son into the world to be our Savior. Jesus came to live among us, to preach and teach, to suffer and die, and ultimately rise from the dead. Through Jesus' death we have the forgiveness of our sins and through his resurrection the hope of eternal life. The Mystery of the Incarnation is the most astounding event in history. That is what we are preparing to celebrate this coming weekend, but the joy of Christmas is with us each day of our lives. We are thankful for the gift of faith and we are called to live it every day. May this Mystery of the Incarnation inspire us to live our faith to the fullest and the image of the grotto of Bethlehem be an example to us all! Have a blessed day!!!