December 2010

An Advent and Christmas message from Fr. Krzysztof:

Dear parishioners and sympathizers of St. Valentine’s Church!

We are one body, one body in Christ, and we do not stand alone. With us is Jesus Christ who was, who is and who will come again. For the four full weeks of Advent we are waiting for the arrival of the holy season – Christmas. What is the reason of this Holiday Season? The reason of the Christmas season is Jesus, the true Son of God!

At this time the commercial world hypes Christmas for weeks, seeing only for business and good deal with customers. How should we as Christians should look at Christmas Season?

We should remember that Christmas is the special day of Birth of Jesus, who as a Son of God became Man giving us salvation. Our attitude to Christmas has to be different than the commercial world offers us.

If we are believers in Christ we can’t avoid Church, neglect prayer and good deeds for our neighbors, especially at this Season that God is giving us His only Son for our Salvation. Our first task as followers of Christ is to love God and our neighbors, to be witness of Love of God in this World. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

Who is Christian who doesn’t celebrate the Day of Birth of Jesus in Church?

It is simple, if you have your birthday you want to have your family, relatives, friends, neighbors with you on this special day, isn’t it? How you should feel on the day of your birthday alone or without your loved ones? They could say: sorry, we can’t come to you to celebrate your birthday we will do this being at stores, at our homes, at diner, restaurant, cinema…..

Why do many Christians celebrate the Day of Birth of Jesus outside the Church?

Because some of them have buried the true sense of Christmas. It is easer for them to focus on the commercial things such as Santa, Christmas gifts, Christmas dinner, Christmas shopping, Christmas Tree, etc. But we know the Church is the Holy Ground, where Jesus is present, where Jesus is born, where Jesus is waiting for us to give us true values of Life: HOPE, PEACE, JOY & LOVE!

These values when properly observed lead to a greater spiritual celebration on Christmas Day. You will not want to miss one Sunday Holy Mass and celebration!

I offer the following four suggestions for all of us:

• First, commit to be present in worship during this season (make Holy Mass a priority for you and your family).
• Second, spend some time each day reading Bible and devotion; you can also make your Advent wreath and lit the candles.
• Third, be thoughtful and deliberate in your prayer (ask God to enlighten your heart and mind to hear from God and give thanks for all God’s blessings).
• Fourth, plan each day of this Season to do something kind to help someone less fortunate than yourself (you will discover the great joy that comes from giving in the name of the Christ and it can be a lot of fun too).

I am praying for God to do a special work among us this Holiday Season. It is a time to celebrate, have fun and share together, but it is also a sacred time – a time to prepare, to make our lives ready to receive all that Jesus has for us.

Christmas Joy and Peace to all!
MERRY CHRISTMAS! WESOŁYCH ŚWIĄT!

Father Krzysztof M. Mendelewski