In this Fourth week of Advent we hear the Gospel story of Joseph’s dream. You remember! An angel comes to him in this dream and tells him that the child to be born of his espoused bride is of God.
Check it out: whenever angels appear in Sacred Scripture they always say: “Do not be afraid.” This account is no different. Joseph has much to fear; his honor, her reputation, his standing in the community, his love for Mary who is with child. All Joseph really knows is that the child to be born is not his. Imagine his confusion and doubt, but being an upright, faith filled man, he sets aside his fear and trusts in the message of the angel.
We are called to do nothing less! Trust in the ongoing, unfolding the message of divine love in your life this week. It will bring us all to the Miracle of Christmas!!
...behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.
Matthew 1:20-21
Artwork: The Dream of St. Joseph -- Philippe de Champaigne, c.1642
Prayer for the Fourth Week of Advent
“O creator God, Our world is pregnant with the anticipation of the birth of your Son. We are bursting in our preparedness, for the feast of Christmas will soon be here. Everything seems to be in order:
the plans are agreed to,
the tree is decorated,
most of the gifts are wrapped, and we think we are ready.
However, Lord, as we pause to offer this prayer,
we realize that some things have been rushed,
and, in the process, some important things have been forgotten.
In this brief moment of quiet, help us to be at least thankful.
Help us to appreciate the Word that comes to dwell with us.
Help us to hope in the promise of His way, truth, and life.
Help us to join with the angels who sing your praise.
Grant us the lasting peace of this great season of joy.
We pray in the name of our long-expected Lord. Amen.”
~ from The Essential Advent and Christmas Handbook
Christmas Mass Times Church of the Resurrection:
Christmas Eve:
4:00, 7:00, an 10:00 pm
Christmas Day:
10:30 am
Christmas Mass Times at the Church of the Assumption:
Christmas Eve:
2:00, 4:30, 6:30 and 10:30 pm
Christmas Day:
8:30 and 11:30 am
We're getting closer -- but we could still use your help to wrap up this campaign before the end of the year.
As of Thursday morning:
As of Thursday morning:
- The Church of the Resurrection is at 91.89% of our $66,330 goal
- The Church of the Assumption is at 78.48% of our $216,410 goal.
Did you miss Assumption's 5th Annual Christmas Cantata: Invitation to a Miracle? Do you wish you could hear it again? It's not too late to order a CD. Contact Janie Marini at jmarini@dor.org.