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
Putting up the Christmas Tree.
Think about it – strange thing –
cutting down a tree – bring it inside – hang stuff on it.
Jesus – was very connected with
trees: carpenter – manger – boat - cross
The tradition of Christmas Trees
comes from our German friends
There is something about
evergreens – they stay green in winter – sign of eternal life.
One day, Martin Luther walking
through woods – sees star light through trees – idea of candles – I’m sure it
did not go over big with fire departments!
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 who brought the 1st
Christmas tree to the Vatican.
Last week – Pope Francis lit the Largest
Christmas tree in the world – Gubbio
Pope Francis 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 back, 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
