Three births announced by angels of God. Two were great men who championed the cause and prepared the way of the Lord. One was the one whom they prepared the way for. They were of differing times and circumstances, but both had the hand of God placed upon them. Of Samson the scriptures say that "The boy grew up and the LORD blessed him; the Spirit of the LORD stirred him." Of John the Baptizer the Scripture says that "He will go ... in the spirit and power of Elijah ... to prepare a people fit for the Lord."
The one they announced is the one whose birthday we prepare to celebrate, the one who is Lord of our lives and sender of the Spirit, bringer of the Father's love, the one who will come again to establish the reign of God in fullness - Jesus, born in Bethlehem of Judea.
The second Preface for Advent says: "It is by his gift (of life, love and salvation) that already we rejoice at the mystery of his Nativity, so that he may find us watchful in prayer and exultant in his praise."
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Tonight is the Advent Penance Service at our parish. The local priests: Fathers John Herald, John Moineau, Paul Fitzmaurice and Joseph Armamento as well as four monks from Saint Vincent Archabbey will be here. My theme, referring to John, is "What did go out to see?"
The only problem that I foresee tonight is that it is a Steelers game night (Monday night football). But the game does not begin until after 8:00 pm. If the game is close, we made find ourselves overly busy tomorrow night.
Last evening we were at Saint Edward Church in Herminie and the healing power of God for his people was evident ... tomorrow at IC in Irwin.
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