Thoughts from Fr. Bill…….
Dear Friends, today is Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is a Latin
word that means “rejoice!” Today, we light the rose-colored
candle on our Advent wreath, rejoicing that Jesus is coming
soon. Yes, we rejoice that Christmas is now only a week
away, and that we have been redeemed by our Lord. As we
continue our Advent journey let’s try to think of all the reasons
you might have to rejoice and give thanks to God.
Friday, December 21 is the Winter Solstice. It is the turning
point of the year. For us, in the Northern Hemisphere it is the
shortest day and longest night. From now on the days will
lengthen. For many Christmas can be a time of sadness. We
miss loved ones who have died, our life changes due to difficult
times—through broken relationships, illness, loss of job,
loneliness and other struggles of life. In this Advent season
we are reminded of God’s promise that he is with us in our
struggles. Listen to the words of the Prophet Isaiah
“Comfort, comfort my people.” The angels voices offer us
peace. If you are feeling blue this Christmas Harrold Zion
Lutheran Church, located near Hempfield High School will
host the Longest Night Service on Friday, December 21 at
7:00 PM. Come join others on the longest night of the year
and find you are not alone.'
In these last days of Advent, from December 17 through December
23 the Church prays the “O” Antiphons. O Sapientia
(O Wisdom), O Adonai (Sacred Lord), O Radix Jesse (Root
of Jesse), Clavis David (Key of David), Oriens (Dawn), O
Rex gentium (King of peoples), and finally O Emmanuel
(God-is-with-us). We joyfully sing the “O” antiphons in the
popular Advent song, O Come, O Come Emmanuel.
We will begin to decorate for Christmas in the Church on
Wednesday, December 19 at 4:00 PM and we will put the
finishing touches on Sunday, December 23 after the 10:00
AM Mass. Come decorate Your Church for Christmas!
This week’s Psalm Response, Cry out with joy and gladness;
for among us is the Holy One of Israel, reminds us
that the coming of Christ brings great joy!
Here we go Steelers here we go!
Fr. Bill
Peace
Trying to live a full life in the service of the Lord,
failing frequently and falling on the mercy of God each time…
