Kaukauna Catholic Parishes

As we approach Christmas, there are still a few more days of preparation. There is likely still plenty of hustle and bustle in our lives. Take a deep breath. Ultimately, it all comes down to how we “Discover, Live and Share Jesus!” You may have heard or seen the word “kerygma” being used in our faith. I am not sure how many of us understand it. My wife, Peggy, and I have been attending a series about the Holy Spirit called “The Wild Goose” along with some wonderful parish friends. As part of that series, they offer a concise way to simplify kerygma: 1) God’s love, 2) recognize that we are sinners, 3) realize that Jesus came to rescue us, 4) make the personal choice to follow Jesus. Grasping this, and acting on it, gives us the freedom to share and witness to our faith by what we say and do. It all leads back to Jesus and his humble beginning.

In the first reading from the Prophet Isaiah we hear, “The virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.” The Gospel from Matthew describes how the birth came about, fulfilling the Scriptures, and emphasizes that Emmanuel means “God is with us.” We celebrate the birth of Jesus this week on Christmas. Jesus is the Lamb of God, the reason for the season. Jesus brought salvation to everyone in human history. What a gift!

St. Paul writes to the Romans, “Through Jesus we have received the grace of apostleship, to bring about obedience of faith.” The whole Christmas experience was very dependent on people’s obedience of faith, especially his mother, Mary, the handmaid of the Lord. Referring to the “Spirit of Holiness” as a disciple of Christ Paul writes, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” There is a familiar ring to that; grace and peace to you.

Our Psalm affirms the glory of Christ: “The Lord’s are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it.” God is faithful to us and is deeply in love with each one of us. Do not take that for granted. In the midst of all our challenges and blessings, let’s keep each other in prayer during the remainder of Advent, and throughout the Christmas season, and help each of us to answer the call to be holy and be kind to each other. Have a joyous, prayerful, peaceful, and Merry Christmas!

God bless,

Deacon Steve