Pastor's Note from Fr. Szparagowski 📝 - [Dec 21st Bulletin]

Dear St. Philip Neri Friends and Family,

We give praise and thanks to God for the graces and blessings He has given us! Today we stand at a sacred threshold. We celebrate the 4th Sunday of Advent, with Christmas only a few days away. The Gospel draws us into the moment just before the birth of Christ, the moment when Mary travels in haste to visit her cousin Elizabeth. It is a moment filed with quiet joy, deep faith, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. And it prepares us for the mystery that we will soon celebrate at Christmas; that God has chosen to enter our world in the humility of a child.

In the Gospel, Mary brings Christ into the home of Elizabeth. Before Jesus is even born, His presence fills the room. John the Baptist leaps in the womb. Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit. Joy overflows. Mary becomes the first bearer of Christ, the first disciple, the first missionary. And she brings Him not through words, but through her presence, her faith, and her willingness to say yes to God.

This final Sunday of Advent teaches us a powerful truth. To prepare for Christmas is not only to remember something that happened long ago. It is to welcome Christ into our hearts right now and to carry Him to others in our daily lives. Mary shows us what that looks like. Mary says yes to God. She trusts His plan. She goes in haste to serve. Her faith moves her to action.

The first reading from Micah tells us that the Savior will come from Bethlehem, a small and humble place. God could have chosen a palace or a city of power, but He choose Bethlehem. He chose a young, unknown woman from Nazareth to be the mother of the savior. This is how God works. He chooses what is small, simple, and humble to reveal His greatest glory.

The letter to the Hebrews reminds us that Christ came into the world to do the will of His Father. That is the heart of the Incarnation. Jesus is born for a mission; to redeem us, to save us, to reveal the love of God, and to open the way to eternal life. His birth is not just a tender moment; it is the beginning of the greatest act of love the world has ever known.

And now, with this final Sunday of Advent almost complete, the Church turns towards Christmas. In jus a few days we will gather at the manger with Mary and Joseph. We will hear again the words that changed history;" Today a Savior has been born for you." We will see the God of the universe wrapped in swaddling clothes and placed in a manger because there was no room for Him in the inn.

Christmas is not simply a story. It is the truth of God's love made visible. The Word became Flesh to live among us. Emmanuel means God with us, not God above us, not God beyond us, but God with us, in our joys and our sorrows, in our hopes and out fears, in our longing and our searching.

And yet, Christmas also invites a response. Joseph responded with obedience. The shepherds responded with joy and wonder. The Magi responded with gifts and adoration. Each of them uniquely welcomed Christ. How will we welcome Jesus?

Perhaps this Christmas finds us joyful, surrounded by family and warmth. Perhaps it finds us tired, grieving, or carrying burdens that others cannot see. The Christ Child in the manger meets us in all of that. He does not ask for perfection. He asks for room in our hearts.

The question that hung over Bethlehem two thousand years ago still echoes today; Is there room for Him? Room in our schedules. Room in our families. Room in our decisions. Room in our compassion. Room in our hearts.

Thank you! Thank you! What a beautiful and grace-filled sight. Our parish families have once again shown the depth of your generosity and the kindness in your hearts. Because of you every single request was filled, and nearly 1000 Christmas gifts will now brighten the homes of children and families in need. This is truly the love of God made visible. A special thank you to the McMenamin and Sague families for organizing and delivering the gifts. May God bless your goodness!

A Blessed and Holy Christmas to all!

Please invite someone to Mass today.

St. Philip Neri, pray for us!

Have a blessed day,

Fr. Szparagowski