3rd Sunday of Advent
– once again meet the unusual figure of John the Baptist
Sure can’t find him
in Walmart! But on the way to Bethlehem, we must cross the Jordan River.
There he says - “Prepare the way of the Lord!”
Very involved in
preparing – buy presents – send cards – decorating house – gifts for poor
Putting up the
Christmas Tree.
Think about it –
strange thing – cutting down a tree – bring it inside – hang stuff on it.
There is something
about evergreens – they stay green in winter – sign of eternal life.
Jesus – was very
connected with trees: carpenter – manger
– boat - cross
The tradition of Christmas
Trees comes either from Estonia or Latvia. Placed in town square.
Martin Luther may be
the first person to put one inside the house. He walking through woods – sees
star light through trees – idea of candles – Thought it would like great
inside! I’m sure it did not go over big with fire departments! Then came tradition
to put an angel or a star on top
Angel – Glory to
God Star – star of Bethlehem
For a long while this
was a Protestant thing - Took a while for Catholics to embrace it
- It was St. John Paul II 1982 who brought
the 1st Christmas tree to the Vatican.
Largest tree in world
– Gubbio Italy 2,100 feet tall! Side of
mountain
Pope Francis lit
it in 2014: He had a wish: “If you have
something dark on your soul, ask the Lord's forgiveness. This is a beautiful
chance Christmas gives us – to clean up our souls, eh! Don't be afraid – the
priest is merciful, he forgives everything in the name of God, because God
forgives everything.” Sounds like the
Baptist!
Reconciliation Monday – Guide in bulletin
A few years before
that, Pope Benedict blessed the tree – he also had some wishes:
When you look at the tree
– do not just look at the bottom - not look just to material things - but
look up – toward heaven – toward God. “God
never forgets us but He asks us not to forget Him!” Remember the Baptist - he
must increase – I must decreased - I am
not worthy to untie his sandals.
2) Tree is made up of
many lights - Looks strange to see just
one light His wish is that we step out
of selfishness that makes us think only of ourselves to
become lights for others - bring
light to family, work, neighborhood –“ every act of kindness is like light of
the tree.” John – a light shining in the
darkness.
Let us pray - God of all creation,
we praise you for our Christmas trees
which brings beauty and memories and the
promise of life to our homes.
May your blessing be upon all who gather around our
trees,
all who keep the Christmas festival by its lights.
We wait for the coming of the Christ,
the days of everlasting justice and peace.
You are our God, living and reigning, for ever and ever.
Amen
