In reflecting on the Sunday readings for Advent, I find myself noticing an underlying message of encouragement: hold onto the strength that comes with faith. We find it in the word of God the Church chose for the Advent season. It’s a message to help ready our hearts for Christmas:

Advent at St. Hubert   1st Sunday Blessing of the Advent Wreath Giving Tree Tags Available 2nd Sunday Blessing of calendars for 2019 3rd Sunday Giving Tree Gifts are Returned and Blessed 4th Sunday Blessing of families expecting a child   Masses for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception: A Holy Day of Obligation Friday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 PM Saturday, Dec. 8 at 9:00 AM   Multi—Parish Advent Reconciliation Service:   Tuesday, December 18, 7:00 PM St. Matthew Church 1001 E. Schaumburg Road Schaumburg, Il

• “Increase and abound in love for one another and for all…so as to strengthen your hearts.” (1 Thes 3:12-13)
• “Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength.” (Luke 21:36)
• “Up Jerusalem! Stand upon the heights…rejoicing that [you] are remembered by God.” (Baruch 5:5)
• “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it.” (Phil 1:6)
• “Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged!” (Zephaniah 3:16)
• “The peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:7)
• “He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock by the strength of the Lord.” (Micah 5:3)
• Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:45)

During these often intense times we’ve been experiencing in our country, in our Church, and in a society that is growing more violent and less at peace, we stand on the faith that comes with knowing that Jesus is in our midst—which is the joy of Christmas and the longing of Advent.

Jesus tells us that a house built on rock withstands even the greatest storms. That rock, of course, is our faith and our trust in God who gave us his Son to dwell with us, not just now, but forever.

So with St. Paul, we can say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil 4:13). Jesus strengthens us through uncertainty and leads us to a Christmas peace.

As we gather as a family of faith preparing our hearts for Christmas, we can find the strength we need in being together, united in a faith that allows us to welcome the stranger, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick, and touch the lives of those who need to find strength in the midst of a broken world.

May God bless us on this Advent journey,