third sunday of advent

As we continue to journey through this season of Advent together as a parish family, we are drawing close to celebrating the birth of our Saviour.  The Lord, our Lord, is very close to us.  Our passages from Scripture remind us of this, and it is the recurring theme in the season of Advent.
 
The fact that our Lord is near to us, I pray, should bring comfort to all believers.  Our Saviour took on our human flesh, to be one with us and to walk with us.  He showed us how to live and how to love, both our God and our neighbour.  He showed us how to be people of hope, peace, joy, and love.
 
When I was a seminarian at Our Lady of the Scapular Parish in Niagara Falls, I met a faith-filled lady who I admire to this day.  She shared with me an explanation of the Advent wreath: 
 
The Advent wreath is a symbol of the 4-week wait and preparation in our hearts for Jesus’ birth. 
 
The green branches (“ever green” or “ever alive”) remind us of the new life we have in Jesus (Jesus died for us but is now alive and never to die again). 
 
The prickly pines remind us of the crown of thorns that was put on Jesus head.
 
The circle of the wreath reminds us that His love has no beginning and no end. 
 
The holly berries represent drops of blood……the blood Jesus shed for us on the cross. 
 
The candles represent the light Jesus brings into a dark world. 
 
As we enter now the Third Week of Advent, may we continue to embrace this season of preparation and the preparing of our hearts.  Consider joining us for our “Lessons & Carols” Sunday evening; our Advent Reconciliation Service Wednesday evening, or weekday morning Mass, all either in person or via our YouTube channel.  Make the most of this time, and be the light of Jesus to someone this day.
 
O come, O come, Emmanuel.
 
May God bless and keep safe each of you and those that you love,
Fr. Greg