Like the shepherds, we encounter Christ in a very personal way at every Mass–especially in the Eucharist. Yet it is not enough to simply and passively receive this great gift with joy. Joy naturally is received and shared. The full meaning of Christmas and its encounter with the Christ-child moves us to become evangelists, that such an immense joy might be shared with all.
Christ
Build A Firm Foundation for Christmas, The Mass of Christ
As I grew up in the Church, my family celebrated Advent in the weeks leading up to Christmas day. We didn’t catapult from Thanksgiving right into Christmas, but anticipated Christmas, which deepened our understanding of its true meaning by nourishing our lives by faith in Christ—and that made all the difference.
The Devil Is A Prowling Lion
One cannot be biblically literate without also being introduced to the diabolical influences of Satan. However, people today often disbelieve in Satan and his cohorts, the other fallen angels who went agreeably along with his choice to forever reject God.
The Feast of St. Andrew, Hope, and The Approach of Advent
The Feast of St. Andrew can help you to embrace the gift of hope and set your eyes on heavenly things above. Leave the old behind, as did he, cultivate your heart, and embrace Christ who calls, heals, restores, and confers on men the gift of eternal life.
The Last Will Be First, The First Will Be Last
The parable of the workers in the vineyard speaks of Christ, who is the landowner offering eternal life to those who work in his vineyard, bringing first themselves under his rule, then their families, neighborhoods, and societies for the purpose of building up the kingdom of Christ. All who enter this vineyard at the landowner’s invitation and labor therein will receive the generous and unfathomable gift of everlasting life.