Newsletter- 3rd Week of Advent
It is amazing how fast time has passed. We have reached the 3rd Sunday of Advent which is also called “Rejoice or “Gaudete” Sunday.” As we light the rose-coloured candle on the advent wreath, we focus on Jesus’ coming as a reason to rejoice. There are so many issues that can challenge our need to rejoice in this world. Natural disasters, wars, violence, injustices, hatred, racial justice issues, and political strife, all cause us to wonder why we
should rejoice.
The source of our need to rejoice is the salvation that comes to us through Jesus Christ. He comes into this world to bring us new hope, new joy, and a new way of being present to each other. From Jesus first coming at his incarnation, to the way Jesus reveals himself in our everyday life and as we wait for Jesus’ second coming, we find hope in a world that waits for salvation.
On this third Sunday of Advent, the words from the scriptures give us a reason to rejoice and we are reminded that Jesus is our salvation and our hope. Through the remaining weeks of Advent and throughout the Christmas season, may the struggles and difficulties of our lives bring forth life through our faith. God is with us! We must witness and proclaim to the world what we have seen through the miracles of God’s hand. Have courage and do not fear for God comes to save us.
Christmas Crib Offerings: Christmas time recalls the needs of our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land. Friends of the Holy Landwill be the beneficiary of our crib collection again this year. FHL remains the only registered UK Charity with its own office, staff, andvolunteers in the City of Christ’s birth. From Christmas Day and until the end of the Christmas season there will be a basket to collect your offerings placed before the Crib in church. All donations given will be sent directly to FHL to help support their important aid work.
With my prayers for you and for your families as we draw closer to Christmas!
Your friend and parish priest,
Fr. Jonathan
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2023 17th December – Newsletter – Download