Chaplain's Blog
2016/11/29
Christmas Message
Brother Knights,
“Prepare the way of the Lord!”
How many times have we heard that message? This call of John the Baptist to the people of his day, to prepare for the coming of the Messiah, has echoed again and again throughout the centuries. It is always the same, “Prepare!” Perhaps we have heard it too often, and it has simply become the routine liturgy for this time of the year. Of course we know what it means to prepare for something. Over the next couple of weeks there will be a lot of preparations taking place: decorating, shopping, baking, house cleaning, etc. But we do have to ask ourselves, “Do I really know what I am preparing for?”
We have moved from the Feast of Christ the King right into the season of Advent and into our journey through the holy days of this season to that humble stable in Bethlehem, there to greet Christ, the child, who has come to be our Lord and King. He has come to us that through his death and resurrection we will be saved from death. How do we get ourselves ready for this journey and our personal reception and welcome of Emmanuel – God is with us?
This year, instead of using the Advent wreath, there will be a special symbol for each week that we can reflect upon as we wend our way to the manger/bed/throne of our glorious king. The first week will focus on light. “Walk in the light of the Lord” the prophet Isaiah tells us. What does that mean? Are we in the dark? Do we recognize the darkness for what it is and do we desire to walk in the light instead?
The second week speaks of the promise of the Messiah to come from the family of Jesse. Through one generation after another God has prepared His people for his coming, as a man, into our midst. His is our relative. Our God is not an alien, but is of the house and line of David.
The third week sends us out into the wilderness to encounter the prophet and to hear the word of God. This is a really important week for us as we are usually so bombarded by words and earthly noises that it is good if we can find a wilderness space so we can listen for the word of God.
The fourth week gives us the name of our Messiah – EMMANUEL - GOD IS WITH US!
Is there any greater news than that which will be for all people?
I hope and pray that you will have a grace willed Advent journey so that your Christmas will indeed overflow with wonder and joy at the marvelous things God has done for us.
Fr. Francis Hengen
Chaplain
“Prepare the way of the Lord!”
How many times have we heard that message? This call of John the Baptist to the people of his day, to prepare for the coming of the Messiah, has echoed again and again throughout the centuries. It is always the same, “Prepare!” Perhaps we have heard it too often, and it has simply become the routine liturgy for this time of the year. Of course we know what it means to prepare for something. Over the next couple of weeks there will be a lot of preparations taking place: decorating, shopping, baking, house cleaning, etc. But we do have to ask ourselves, “Do I really know what I am preparing for?”
We have moved from the Feast of Christ the King right into the season of Advent and into our journey through the holy days of this season to that humble stable in Bethlehem, there to greet Christ, the child, who has come to be our Lord and King. He has come to us that through his death and resurrection we will be saved from death. How do we get ourselves ready for this journey and our personal reception and welcome of Emmanuel – God is with us?
This year, instead of using the Advent wreath, there will be a special symbol for each week that we can reflect upon as we wend our way to the manger/bed/throne of our glorious king. The first week will focus on light. “Walk in the light of the Lord” the prophet Isaiah tells us. What does that mean? Are we in the dark? Do we recognize the darkness for what it is and do we desire to walk in the light instead?
The second week speaks of the promise of the Messiah to come from the family of Jesse. Through one generation after another God has prepared His people for his coming, as a man, into our midst. His is our relative. Our God is not an alien, but is of the house and line of David.
The third week sends us out into the wilderness to encounter the prophet and to hear the word of God. This is a really important week for us as we are usually so bombarded by words and earthly noises that it is good if we can find a wilderness space so we can listen for the word of God.
The fourth week gives us the name of our Messiah – EMMANUEL - GOD IS WITH US!
Is there any greater news than that which will be for all people?
I hope and pray that you will have a grace willed Advent journey so that your Christmas will indeed overflow with wonder and joy at the marvelous things God has done for us.
Fr. Francis Hengen
Chaplain
