Dear Parishioners and Friends.
Considering the Church’s tradition, family tradition, faith and what we learned in Catechism, we know the situations of the upcoming Christmas days. We know the state of our pockets and possessions, we know with who, where and how we will celebrate. But the 4-week wait should not be limited only to shopping, preparation of various dishes, cleaning, or choosing guests to sit at the Christmas table; rather we should prepare also our spirit, our mind and our heart.

We must spend this time preparing ourselves for the reception of Christ, Who Was, Is and Will Be, who comes to hang on the cross, to rise again and give a path to salvation. He comes to accomplish a work that no one has ever accomplished in our time and space. The prophet Isaiah urges us to prepare in the following way: “A voice proclaims:  In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God! Every valley shall be lifted up, every mountain and hill made low; the rugged land shall be a plain, the rough country, a broad valley. Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” (Isaiah 40,3-5) This does not mean that we have to deal with the landscaping of our surroundings, because appropriate services are available for that. This equalization, or leveling concerns our being, our behavior, our own life – it is the equalization of differences between us, it is leveling our sins, and finally the negation of all animosity towards others so that we can expect the Lord in mutual peace and love.

Similarly, we are instructed by Saint Peter, the Highest Apostle, explaining to us that we should be prepared at any time for the coming of the Lord. “But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day. The Lord does not delay His promise, as some regard ‘delay,’ but He is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. Therefore, beloved, since you await these things, be eager to be found without spot or blemish before Him, at peace. “(2 Pt 3, 8, 9, 14). Are we able to sacrifice ourselves, waiting for the coming of the One? Can we entrust ourselves so that we can experience Advent in love, peace and mutual goodness, and then wait for the Savior until the end of our days?

We are the people of Christ, chosen, due to our baptism, although we often tend to act like heathens. Therefore, let us accept the words of John the Baptist with our hearts and live them at least during this Advent: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of His sandals. I have baptized you with water; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mk 1,7-8)

Advent time is also the time to prepare decorations for Christmas. I am grateful to Sister Zofia Turczyn, for her involvement and preparation of beautiful church decorations. I am also grateful to all of you who devote much time and energy, working together with Sister Zofia until late evening hours. May the Lord reward you.

God Bless!