3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT......THE JOY IN GIVING AMIDST THE SADNESS...........

On this 3rd Sunday of Advent, as millions of us ask the question Why ?, the tragedies of Newton, Connecticut; and Portland, Oregon; occurred, shattering the lives of more than two dozen families in the senseless loss of their children and adult loved ones, as Advent People of God our Catholic-Christian Faith anchors us in the consolation of Hope and Peace, even as we cope with our grief and wonderment.   As the third candle around the Advent Wreath is lit today, a pink / rose colored candle, we are focused on the immediate preparation for the Lord's Coming at Christmas, with Joyful expectation in His saving and delivering power over the selfishness of sin and the sadness of death.  Our hearts and minds are joined with All Believers in Jesus Christ as the Messiah of Salvation;, and the Love of the Living and True God of  Creation; for the ability to find Joy in the Advent Light we experience and follow.  Caring and generous hearts in many of our Faith communities today are sharing gifts for the poor and the needy today and this week, as they bring  Christmas gifts in response to fulfilling the requests of the Advent Giving Tree.  Other Christian congregations are observing the 108 year old custom on the second Sunday of December, established by the wife of a Methodist Minister, "Whit Gift Sunday", bringing presents wrapped in simple white paper to church with them to be share to persons who would otherwise be without Christmas gifts.  May the Giving Trees and White Gift opportunities we are invited to contribute to today bring the Joy of the Jesus' Coming, and the Light of God's Love to others - breaking through the darkness of sin and violence that is afflicted upon innocent victims like those we mourn and remember this week.  Christ Be Our Light...Our Strength......Our Redemption............Fr.  Troy