December 22, 2024 - Fourth Sunday of Advent
What Do you want for Christmas?
Every year we would ask our Dad (who was very hard to buy for), “What do you want for Christmas?” He would always and predictably say: “World Peace!”, to which we would say: “Sorry, Dad, too expensive!” He would agree.
So, let me ask each of you: “What do you want for Christmas?”
Pray for Peace and then work for it as well!
Jesus greeted his disciples with a peace they could get nowhere else.
“I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!” (John 16:33)
Peace takes work. The work of understanding; the work of listening; the work of humility and meekness; the work of forgiveness. Peace takes work!
The many presents we will give and receive this Christmas can not equal the gift of PEACE. Jesus promises us peace if we listen to his teaching as good advice and then follow it. That takes work!
So, it may be too late for each of us to learn how to give that gift this year. However, we could make a commitment to develop the courage and patience to offer that kind of peace next year. There is a year to prepare and with the help of Christ it can be done.
Remember that this year, from Christmas to Christmas, Pope Francis has declared a HOLY YEAR. This year can be the holiest of all if we offer each other the gift of PEACE next year.
I wish each of you Peace!
May Our Risen Savior Bless you!
Fr. Patrick Nelson, SDS
