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December 7, 2008
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First Sunday of Advent (Christmas Gifts)
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I was very busy these past few days that I was not able to update you with our journey and I hope I'll have enough time to write all those stories that I am so eager to share with you but for now let me share with you the article from our Parish Bulletin. The Advent season began last Sunday, November 30, 2008. The gospel was taken from Mark 13:33-37. Here's for your reflection:
What Christmas gift will you give to someone who already has everything?
We want to show our love for the special people in our lives by choosing gifts that will be meaningful to them. And yet, assuming that you can actually find something (or make something) that will be appreciated, does it always make a difference in the long run? How many gifts will become mere dust-collectors on a shelf?
What birthday gift will you give to Jesus? I hope you're not leaving Him off your Christmas list. God deserves more gifts than anyone else, but he truly does already have everything. Or does He?
The first reading on the First Sunday of Advent reminds us that the Lord is our Father. The responsorial psalm ask the Father to help us turn to Him. The second reading gives thanks to God for all that he has done for us. So- what gift will you give to your Father God that will express your appreciation for all that he has given to you?
In the Gospel reading, we're reminded of the need to prepare for the coming of Christ. This not only refers to His Second Coming. It's also about the day when He will come for you as you breathe your last breath. And it's about the way He is coming to you right now, today.
There's something new that He wants to give you. When He reaches out to you, will he find you doing what's right (as in the first readingg)? Will He find you using your spiritual gifts? (as in the second reading)? And will He find you alert and ready to do His bidding (as in Gospel reading)?
Jesus reveals himself to us every moment of everyday. Advent is a special opportunity for taking notice of this as we preapare for the celebration of His birth.
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