கிறிஸ்துமஸ் வாழ்த்துக்கள்! Merīkurisumasu! Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad! Joyex Noel! Frohe Weihnachten! God Jul!
Yesterday, Dec. 24th was the Fourth Sunday, and the lighting of the fourth candle symbolizes Peace or Love depending on the tradition. The Advent journey has prepared our hearts for the mighty gifts of hope, faith, peace, love, and joy of Jesus.
It is time to celebrate the birth anniversary of Jesus and the 12 day Christmas cycle of the liturgical year. Christmastide lasts until Jan. 6 Epiphany eve. Epiphany Sunday is Jan. 7. Again, there are many different traditions for celebrating God’s gift of Jesus. I share Nouwen’s wisdom about the name above all names, Philippians 2: 9-11.