First Sunday of Advent Message - Fr. Andre

                                             Preparing Our Hearts in December: Advent and Christmas

December ushers in the season of Advent, a sacred time of waiting and preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. This journey invites us to reflect on the light of hope, faith, joy, and peace as we ready our hearts for the celebration of His birth. Let us explore the beauty of Advent’s themes, special feasts, and the significance of Christmas, drawing closer to Christ and one another.
I. What is Advent?

• Advent is a four-week season of spiritual preparation for Christmas and Christ’s return in glory.
• It invites us to grow in hope, faith, joy, and peace, symbolized by the candles of the Advent wreath.

II. Themes of the Advent Wreath

1. First Sunday: Dec. 1st   Hope
   • The "Prophet’s Candle" reminds us of God’s promise of salvation and invites us to trust in His faithfulness.
2. Second Sunday: Dec 8th   Faith
   • The "Bethlehem Candle" reflects the journey of Mary and Joseph, calling us to deepen our trust in God’s plan.
3. Third Sunday: Dec. 15th   Joy (Gaudete Sunday)
   • The "Shepherd’s Candle," rose-colored, marks a time to rejoice, as the Lord is near and His light shines in the darkness.
4. Fourth Sunday: Dec. 22nd   Peace
   • The "Angel’s Candle" calls us to embrace the peace of Christ and share it with others in our homes and community.

III. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Dec. 8th

• The Immaculate Conception is moved to December 9 because December 8 falls on a Sunday, and Advent Sundays take liturgical precedence. This feast honors Mary, who was conceived without original sin.
• It highlights God’s grace in preparing Mary as the Mother of Jesus, showing her unique role in salvation history.

IV. The Meaning of Christmas, Dec. 25th

• Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, God’s greatest gift of love and salvation to the world.
• It reminds us that through Jesus’ incarnation, God entered our humanity to bring us closer to Him and each other.

V. The Holy Family, Dec. 29th

• The Holy Family—Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—is a model of faith, unity, and unconditional love.
• Their trust in God inspires us to seek holiness and peace within our families.

As we journey through Advent and celebrate the joy of Christmas, let us prepare our hearts with prayer, acts of kindness, and trust in God’s promises. May this holy season fill us with hope, faith, joy, and peace, leading us closer to the light of Christ.

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Fr. Andre Beltran