Dear Community:

On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, the Church invites us to pause and contemplate the great mystery of God’s love, which is about to be revealed at Christmas. The time of waiting reaches its fulfillment: the Lord is near, already at the door of our hearts.

Today’s readings speak to us of openness and trust, especially through the example of Mary and Joseph, who welcome God’s will with faith and becomes a living dwelling place of His presence. In them, we learn that true preparation for Christmas is not only about outward preparations, but about a heart that is open, humble, and ready to say “yes” to the Lord.

Christmas is not only the remembrance of a past event, but the certainty that God continues to come today: into our families, into our struggles, into the lives of those most in need, and into every sincere gesture of love. To celebrate Christmas is to allow ourselves to be found by Him and to let His light shine upon our lives.

In these final days of Advent, may we renew our hope, deepen our prayer, and prepare our hearts to welcome Jesus, who is born to bring us peace, joy, and salvation.

Come, Lord Jesus!

Rev. Julio Fernandez