A Pastoral Message

As we begin this Season of Advent, let us be reminded of what it means to follow Jesus Christ. We are anticipating not only the birthday of Jesus but also his second and final coming. The Season of Advent is a time of preparation. We should be preparing ourselves for the second coming of Jesus Christ and not just for the celebration of Christmas. I would like you to reflect on how you've been preparing this Advent Season.

Now that the Christmas season is near, are we so busy with the preparations for our celebrations that we forget the real reason why we are preparing? With all the efforts we make for home decorations, the carefully wrapped gifts, the delicious food and drinks, let us also make efforts for our spiritual preparations for the second and final coming of the Lord. There is nothing wrong with our external preparations, but our internal (spiritual) preparations done during the Advent Season are way more important than anything. We must not omit the traditions of our Christian faith that can help us with our spiritual preparations as we go through the Advent Season; the Advent Wreath, the Advent Activity Calendar, and so many others. I would like to encourage you to go through at least one of these Advent traditions that we have and really prepare yourselves spiritually, not only for the birthday of Jesus but also and more importantly for his second and final coming. As part of your spiritual preparation, I would like to recommend you read "The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity" by Matthew Kelly. Have a Blessed Advent Season!