In this fourth and last Sunday of Advent, JOSEPH SAYS YES TO GOD: narrative of his encounter with the Angel of the Lord prior to Jesus' birth. We hear this Gospel once every three years (YEAR A Matthew). This is JOSEPH's courageous obedience to God. He had initially decided to divorce Mary quietly when she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. But he is listening to the Angel of the Lord. HE says YES. He accepts to take Mary in his home. His courageous YES will change the world, bringing salvation to all of us.

The Angel of the Lord says: "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 5:20-21)

Imitate the humble, wise and just JOSEPH: you too just SAY YES TO GOD! Trust in HIM! Surrender to HIM and He will DO everything for you. Yes GOD, I surrender to YOU. Help me to do Your Will today. Give me the Grace to know Your Will! Give me the courage to say YES to all you ask of me. Help me to ACCEPT all my joys and sufferings as part of Your Plan.

GOD is coming soon! HE is coming to become MAN and to SAVE us from our misery, our sinfulness. Are you excited about the coming of Jesus? or are you anxious about all the "things" that you have not yet done: writing Christmas cards, buying presents, preparing your home to welcome your family and friends?

We are just SEVEN DAYS AWAY FROM CHRISTMAS. GOD IS COMING next Sunday December 25. JUST SAY YES TO GOD. God, what do you want me to do? What do you want me to ask for? What are the fears that you want me to put aside? What are the wounds in my heart that need to be healed? Whom do you want me to reconcile with?  

MARY was first in saying YES TO GOD, in saying YES to the Angel Gabriel. Mary’s Yes led to Joseph’s Yes. May the examples of Mary and Joseph help each one of us to say YES and be obedient to God.

May God bless each one of us in this most Joyful Season!

May the JOY of Christmas fill our hearts with Jesus' LOVE and PEACE!

We look forward to seeing you all on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day!

One in Christ,

Fr. Alain