Final Days of Advent - 2023

Christmas 2020 was a most unusual experience. Because of the Covid pandemic the doors to all churches were locked. People had no where to gather and celebrate the glorious feast of Christmas. It was as if in a strange way the faithful had been given a way to identify with Joseph and Mary who came to Bethlehem and found that they were locked out with no worm and comfortable place where Mary could give birth to Jesus. This Christmas seems to be back to normal but with a twist. The church doors are wide open and people are again invited to come and welcome the saviour into their hearts. But for an ever increasing number of people the doors of their hearts are closed. Some are full up with celebrating the holiday season and many other distractions - no time for church; for others it is because they are no longer interested in religion. Once again Jesus with Joseph and Mary find there is no room. What shall we say, in the end it is all a matter of the heart. "Where your treasure is there your heart will be." Debates over religion will go on but in the end people let the values in their heart tell them what to choose. This is well laid out for us by the Lord in Matthew's gospel. Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Mtt. 6:19 Is there room in your heart this Christmas?