Reflections By Rev. Fr. David Okolie

THE JOY IN CHRISTMAS

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Rev. Fr. David Okolie

Dearest friends,

Christmas is uniquely characterized by an unparalleled JOY. This JOY stems primarily from the spiritual significance of Christmas embodied in the name EMMANUEL – ‘God is with us’ (cf. Matt 1:23). Who would not be JOYFUL when God is with him/her?

👉🏼We express an anticipation of this CHRISTMAS JOY on Gaudete Sunday. I am sure that you would not want to miss it.

However, it is sad to note that more often than not, a number of persons place more emphasis on the material aspect of Christmas at the expense of the spiritual. Thus, people tend to bracket God during the whole period of the celebration of Christmas; engaging in many unholy acts: gluttony, money ritual, fraudulent activities, fighting, adultery, fornication, extortion, bribery, etc. Some even forget that there is anything like HOLY MASS, even on the 25th day of December (i.e the Christmas Day) which is a Holy Day of Obligation and other Sundays during the Christmas celebration. Others do not see the need to go for CONFESSION in order to be at peace with God and neighbour.

In all the above, St. Paul reminds us that our JOY must be in the Lord (cf. Phil 4:4). This means that every of our actions this Christmas period and always must be pleasing to the Lord. We are also encouraged to make others feel this joy by extending CHARITABLE hands towards them, no matter how little (cf. Lk 3:10-11). Do not forget that in charity, we express the love of God and neighbour (cf. Catechism of the Christian Doctrine [CCD], n. 169). Thus, “When I was hungry, you gave me food to eat…” (cf. Mt 25:31-46).

We pray the Blessed Virgin Mary to always support us with her powerful intercession. Amen🙏🏼

(CATECHESIS (NKUZI NKE OKWUKWE) FOR THE 3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (GAUDETE), YEAR C
READINGS: R1 Zeph 3:14-18, R2 1 Phil 4:4-7, Gosp Lk 3:10-18)

Happy Sunday and remain blessed!

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