Dear Folks,

4th Sunday of Advent. Three days to Christmas, so panic time for procrastinators.

Years ago I read a rather descriptive account of childbirth in the context of contemplating our Christmas celebrations. Huh? Well the mother writing the article described despite the unglamorous nature of childbirth. Yet she gladly embraced that out of this mess came the greatest blessings in her life: the precious lives of her children. Maybe we aren’t as prepared as we would like, gifts unwrapped, house needs cleaning, baking to do and whatever other items are on your panic inducing to-do list. But in the midst of this ‘mess’ we celebrate the coming of our Lord. So this year I’ll offer to God: my panicked last minute shopping, or my anxiety over not being ready… knowing that he can bring good from all things! I can hear Jesus saying, “Ready or not, here I come!”

Honestly, I think this is a little bit of why I love family life. It is a little wild, unpredictable, and even chaotic. However this is where and how Our Lord comes to meet us. So this week when you are tempted to stress, think of the Holy Family traveling by donkey to Bethlehem without an Airbnb reservation. Honor Him, and He will fill your lives with blessings, undeserved and unexpected.

Where/when will you go to Christmas Mass? Thanks to the many families who have shuffled their Christmas plans to help the celebration be calm! The 4pm Masses will be packed (HCA a little less packed) and doors will be locked until 3pm, so do not arrive early and expect to be able to hold an entire pew with five winter jackets. We will likely even have to turn folks away from the 4pm Mass at the church, as the fire marshal has occupancy codes that apply and are observed. There is always room at the 6:30 PM Mass @ HCA, and the Masses Christmas morning are my favorite b/c there are plenty of seats!

pax et bonum (peace and all goodness),

Father John Mosimann