CHRISTMAS IS COMING
WHAT ARE YOU HOPING FOR?
As we begin the Advent journey, we enter into a crazy season of shopping, buying, snow, chaos, Christmas staff parties and a very stressful time for everyone. We often just look to survive the season and not appreciate the time to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord. Are we ready to welcome Him? What do we need to change in our lives so that we can truly celebrate the heart of Christmas?
WEEK #1 – “HOPE IS NOT WISHFUL THINKING”
Fr. John introduces the message series as we begin our Advent journey—-what are we hoping for? Not for toys or the best presents but a hope that is fulfilled through Jesus Christ. What are our desires this Christmas? Just hoping to survive or in what ways do we need to change so that we can truly appreciate this wonderful season of preparation for the incarnation.
CLICK HERE for a SHIELD BLOG POST by Fr. John called What Are You Hoping For?
WEEK #2 – “TO LIVE IN HOPE TAKES COURAGE & ENDURANCE”
Fr. Pedro continues with the second week of this series as he reminds us that to live in hope takes courage and endurance. The Lord encourages us to live as people of hope. Why does it take courage to be filled with hope? How do we find this in the scriptures? The scriptures are filled with characters who sought God’s grace to be filled with hope.
CLICK HERE for a SHIELD article by Fr. John called Hope Needs Courage
WEEK #3 – JOY WHILE WE WAIT
Deacon Dennis preaches for this third week of our Advent message series. There is a difference between just waiting and waiting with Joyful Patience. In the 3rd homily of our message series “Christmas is Coming – What are you Hoping For?” we learn the importance of keeping joy in our hearts while we wait.
CLICK HERE for a SHIELD feature article by Fr. John called Patiently Waiting
WEEK #4 – MEETING JESUS TODAY IN OUR OWN LIVES
Fr. John preaches on this fourth week of our message series, on the brink of Christmas, reflecting on the fact that we need to see Jesus today in our own lives. Do we look for Him? Where can we find him the last hours of madness as we prepare for the holidays—getting the decorations and all the dinner plans in place. Do we stop and take time to see Him in others?
CLICK HERE to read a SHIELD feature article by Fr. John called Who’s Coming Home for Christmas?
