“How does this happen that the mother of my Lord comes to me.” The 4th Sunday of Advent means that the celebration of our Lord’s Nativity is almost upon us. Ready or not. It is here. Note that joy marks the moment. Not worry or stress or resentment or envy. Joy. Young or older these women today are filled with joy. It reminds me that so far, at least, every woman who’s discovered she is expecting has been happy and joyful. Whether younger or older there’s been anticipation and hope. That’s faith and the central dynamic of the Gospel. The reign of God is not to be a crushing disappointment. It is when God, using us and helping us, puts his world—and ours, aright. Not too Elizabeth recognizes the child in her cousin’s woman is “Lord.” Faith in Jesus has begun. That’s reason to rejoice. Christmas and New Year’s Masses are easy to remember. The same sequence: Eve 5p English and 7p español. Day 9:30a English and 12noon Spanish. Thursday, Dec 26, there will be a Memorial Mass for Dr Tom Llewelyn, a dear friend of the parish at 11:30a. No scheduled Mass Friday, Dec 28. Parish office closes noon Christmas Eve reopens Thursday Jan 2. Our updated phone system forwards voicemail to our email. End of the year contributions always welcome. Please specify if you want a contribution designated for 2024 or 2025. Contribution Letters for parishioners who contributed $250+ will be available by request after January 31, 2025.