Church of the Nativity, Burke Virginia Fourth Sunday of Advent December 18, 2016

A Message from our Pastor Fr. Bob Cilinski

“Joseph, do not be afraid.” - Matthew 1:20

My dear parishioners:

Next week we will once again celebrate the birth of our Savior. The days leading up to Christmas were difficult ones for Joseph and Mary. Joseph was faced with feeling hurt and betrayed by the news of his pregnant bride. Was his life taking a good turn or a bad turn? Was this a blessing or a terrible mess? He had the right to reject Mary and not take her as his wife. We make a mistake if we soften these images. How close was Joseph to divorcing Mary? It was a difficult time.

But Joseph is told in a dream who this child is to be. And Joseph believes. Joseph embraces Mary and her unexpected child with faith.

God speaks to us in the midst of our difficulties. We also are given the grace to follow His call. Let us trust, as did Joseph and Mary, in the God who comes to us in word and sacrament and have the courage to celebrate Christmas even in the midst of life’s difficulties.

Mary now encourages us by her constant motherly love and protection. Her words spoken to Juan Diego in her appearance can speak to us today!

Hear and let it penetrate into your heart, my dear little son; let nothing discourage you, nothing depress you. Let nothing alter your heart or your countenance. Also do not fear any illness or vexation, anxiety or pain. Am I not here who am your mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not your fountain of life? Are you not in the folds of my mantle, in the crossing of my arms? Is there anything else that you need? - Words of our Lady of Guadalupe, to Juan Diego, Dec. 12, 1531. Love and Christmas blessings,

Fr. Bob Cilinski Pastor

Advent Wreath Prayers

If you have set up an Advent wreath in your home this year, here are some prayers you could say while you light its candles. You may say these before or after a meal, when waking up, before going to bed, or whenever you and the members of your household gather for prayer. Before you say the prayer, read and talk over the Gospel you heard at Sunday Mass that week.

Week 4: O God, who sent your angel Gabriel to announce good news to Mary, make us happy with your word of life. Let our hearts be so filled with love for you that they glow with the lights of these four candles. May we live in a way that will please you. Through Christ our Lord.

CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE 2016

SATURDAY: DECEMBER 24TH

Christmas Eve

3:45 PM (Children’s Liturgy), Children’s Choir 6:00 PM Folk Choir , 8:30 PM Youth Choir,

12:00 AM Midnight Mass

The midnight Mass is preceded at 11:00 PM by a musical meditation on the Nativity featuring the Adult Choir and will include Christmas Carols.

SUNDAY: DECEMBER 25TH

Christmas Day

7:30 AM, 9:00 AM , 11:00 AM 1:00 PM Hispanic Mass

SATURDAY: DECEMBER 31st

New Year’s Eve

5:00 PM Vigil Mass, 7:00 PM Spanish Mass

SUNDAY: JANUARY 1st

2017 New Year’s Day

7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00AM, 12:45 PM

No 5:30 PM Mass on New Year’s Day

Poor Box Second Collection

This weekend’s Second Collection supports the Emergency Assistance efforts of Nativity Parish as well as contributions to Echo, Our Daily Bread, SOME, Gabriel Homes, Pro Life Pregnancy Centers, Shepherd’s Center,

Poor Claire Sisters in Alexandria, and many other charitable works.

Thank you for your generosity!

FOURTH SUNDAY OF Advent

Church of the Nativity, Burke Virginia Fourth Sunday of Advent December 18, 2016

The Importance of Sunday Mass

As the body will die without food, the soul will expire without nourishment. As Catholics, that spiritual

nourishment comes at the Sunday Eucharist. The Lord’s Day is essential for our faith.

Make Sunday Mass the heart of your week.

THE WOMEN OF NATIVITY

ADVENT GIVING TREE PROJECT

THANK YOU!

To All Nativity Parishioners: THANK YOU on behalf of the families who received your gifts

through the Advent Giving Tree Project.

WON enthusiastically supports and administers the Project, but our parishioners make it a

success. This year the tree donned 1500 ornaments. With pleasure we distributed the gifts that you, our parishioners, provided.

“Thank you” does not begin to express the gratitude we have for our Parish partners in this project. Please know our THANKS are

sincerely given from our hearts.

Nativity Rosary Ministry

Will meet on Monday, January 9th at 10:00AM in the Fr. Ready Room at Nativity.

This is an opportunity to learn to make cord mission rosaries, turn in rosaries completed for the foreign

missions and get more supplies. Since the summer our ladies have sent 1000 rosaries

to the missions -- and more rosaries are needed. Share in this ministry to help spread devotion

to our Blessed Mother. Red, White and Blue rosaries are on the rosary board

to remind us to pray for our country.

Contacts: Brenda Zepf - zepfm@aol.com, Diane Fields - dfields456@msn.com,

Ana Marie Vittes- avittes@hotmail.com

Learning Italian is Fun!

Join the Italian Language Program here at Nativity! Winter Session Registration is now open. For more information on cost and dates,

please contact: Elisabetta Lazarte at bsmile24@aol.com

STARFISH FOR HAITI

We will once again be offering crocheted ornaments made by the lepers of Cardinal Leger Hospital in Haiti after Mass this weekend,

December 17th and 18th.

Please stop by the Christmas tree in the back of the church.

The ornaments are free but any

donations are much appreciated.

All proceeds will go to the patients and their families.

THANK YOU!

Church of the Nativity, Burke Virginia Fourth Sunday of Advent December 18, 2016

“Through his victory, Jesus has opened to us his kingdom. But it is for us to enter into it, beginning with our life now - his kingdom begins now - by being close in concrete ways to our brothers and sisters who ask for bread, clothing, acceptance, solidarity, catechesis. If we truly love them, we will be willing to share with them what is most precious to us,

Jesus himself and his Gospel.” Pope Francis, Homily on Solemnity of Christ the King, 23 November 2014

Please support the TEPEYAC FAMILY CENTER, 11135 Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA 22030, 703-273-9440 x 107,

with your prayers and financial resources. Info on this pregnancy resource center can be found at

www.tepeyacfamilycenter.com

Interested in advertising in the bulletin? Call Rick Cortez at 412-292-0132

e-mail: rickcortez@aol.com

Christmas Holiday Schedule — All Religious Education classes are cancelled from Sunday, December 18, through Tuesday, January 3. Classes resume regular schedules on January 8, 9, and 10. The Inclement Weather Policy can be viewed at www.nativityburke.org/nativityccd; link to the Inclement Weather Policy at the bottom of Current News and Events.

Your gifts to the 2016 annual Christmas Collection for Catholic Charities are deeply appreciated

and still needed!

Thank you for your support of Catholic Charities this year. Your support is vital to our work, and we are

grateful for your gifts. If you missed the opportunity to give, you may still do so. You can make your year-end

gift in support of Catholic Charities by going online to www.ccda.net.

THANK YOU

ECHO Food Collection

Due to the New Year’s day holiday, the next monthly food collection for ECHO will take place on: Sunday, January 8th

Please bring non-perishable foods to the entrance of the church Jelly, box rice, muffin mix, dry beans, pancake mix, instant potatoes and juice boxes are much needed items. Laundry detergent and personal items such as deodorant, razors and shampoo are also needed. All canned food items are welcomed. ECHO also accepts small appliances, but they must be in working order. For more information, call 70-569-9160.

ECHO Center is located at: 7205 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield

Last Monday was the Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe. This beautiful statue and flowers were present at all the Masses. It was used during the special celebration at our

parish on Saturday night in honor of this feast day.

“Advent is a time to prepare our hearts to receive Christ, our Savior and hope.”

Pope Francis

Church of the Nativity, Burke Virginia Fourth Sunday of Advent December 18, 2016

Monday, December 19 7:30am † Walter Chawzuik Tuesday, December 20 7:30am † Rick Veatch Wednesday, December 21 7:30am † Norma Marie Fraind Thursday, December 22 7:30am † Gloria Borgo Friday, December 23 7:30am † Richard Veatch Sr. Saturday, December 24 9:00am † Howard Hall 3:45pm † Philip Wood 6:00pm † Mary Kozich 8:30pm † Camille D’Arienzo 12:00am † Richard W. Bruce Sunday, December 25 7:30am Parishioners 9:00am † Helen Haddock 11:00am † Marshall Levitan

The priest schedule for Masses is found on our webpage: www.nativityburke.org

In prayer, let us remember the sick and deceased of the parish.

Tweet, tweet! Do You Twitter? Want to know when our schools launch satellites into space? Or when Pope Francis breaks a record? Follow @arlingtonchurch on Twitter for breaking #Catholic stories and uplifting shareable media that will enlighten and inspire you.

Pope Francis is on Instagram. Are You? Pope Francis joined Instagram and broke a record collecting over one million followers in 12 hours. Join the trend and follow @arlingtonchurch for breaking #Catholic stories, uplifting shareable quotes, and graphics that will enlighten and inspire you.

Pastoral Care

Please call the parish office if you have a family member who is seriously ill. Arrangements can then

be made to have a priest visit. If your family member is unable to attend Mass and you

would like for them to receive Holy Communion, please call Mrs. Carol Mack, 703-455-2400, ext 117.

Eucharistic Ministers can bring the Eucharist during the week as well as on weekends.

If you would like to have your family member’s name placed on the parish prayer list, please call the parish office

to make these arrangements.

FORMED

Here’s how easy it is to access:

Go to Formed.org

Enter our Parish code: M4CJ3W on the homepage

Create a personal account with your user name/email and password

Start enjoying the best Catholic content all in one place!

IMPORTANT: Do not sign up as an individual. Our Parish access code provides more content than

an individual subscription.

If you have any questions, please contact Ann Benson at abenson@nativityburke.org

Church of the Nativity, Burke Virginia Fourth Sunday of Advent December 18, 2016

http://www.nativityschool.org

NATIVITY CATHOLIC

SCHOOL

A Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

FATHER CILINSKI,

FATHER KORPI LEAD NATIVITY DELEGATION TO

NEW BISHOP’S DIOCESAN INSTALLATION

Father Cilinski, Father Korpi, Maria Kelly -- our School Principal -- and several members of our Nativity Community, including Nativity School’s Student Council President and Vice President, were in attendance (see photo) on Tuesday, December 6, as the Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, 59, formally assumed leadership of the Diocese of Arlington.

Bishop Burbidge, the fourth Bishop of Arlington -- home to more than 600,000 Catholics -- succeeds Bishop Paul S. Loverde, 76, who led the Diocese since 1999.

Special Thanks for the extensive coverage by the Arlington Catholic Herald. We’re happy to include it here.

As the Arlington Catholic Herald reported, “More than 1,200 gathered at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More in Arlington, to welcome him at a 2 p.m. Mass of Installation, also attended by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Papal Nuncio to the United States; Justin Cardinal Rigali; Donald Cardinal Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington; Theodore Cardinal McCarrick; and Metropolitan Archbishop William E. Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore. Full video of the Mass is available at www.arlingtondiocese.org, and a special issue of the Arlington Catholic Herald dedicated to Bishop Burbidge is available at http://arlingtoncatholicherald.va.newsmemory.com/.

Bishop Burbidge concluded his Homily: "With the strength of the Holy Eucharist and help of Mary, our Mother, and through the intercession of Saint Thomas More, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, and Saint Nicholas, may we recognize and share God's abundant gifts. May we imitate the courageous and faithful example of Saint Thomas More, forevermore, with the strength God supplies, so that, together, we may walk humbly with our God and travel lightly today and always. Amen."

Bishop Burbidge, we welcome you to the Arlington Diocese. We know the good folks in Raleigh are sorry to lose you, but we are very happy you have joined us.

Oh, Yes! Catholic education is worth the investment! ***************************************************

Please come join us ~~ Our faith-filled Nativity Community offers a strong academic program, friendly folks, and lots of fun --

for EVERYONE! It’s not too late ~~ We have waiting lists for Kindergarten and First

and Second Grades -- and a few spots available in grades 3 through 7. Schedule a day to "shadow" here at Nativity, to see how your child

would spend his or her days with us -- learning, praying, sharing, and laughing. Call us at (703) 455-2300.

Are you registered in the Parish?

If you are not receiving mail from the parish, chances are you are not registered. You are free to stop by

the Parish Office to become a registered member of Nativity Parish. Registration is required

to be a Baptismal Godparent or Confirmation Sponsor.

Christmas Cards: The Knights of Columbus has a great assortment of Christmas Cards. Please consider buying a box. Prices are a bargain. POC is WDGK Carlos Perez. All boxes of Christmas Cards are now at the unbelievable special low price of $5.00.

You cannot do better than that unless you are shopping at the Dollar Store, which does not sell KofC Christmas Cards! Any remaining cards will be made available at the 20 December Council meeting. If interested contact dgk7992@outlook.com

Knighthood (3rd Degree) Ceremony, 28 January 2017: Save the date! If you are a 2nd Degree Knight and would like to advance to full membership in the order, please save the date of 28 January. There will be a Knighthood (3rd Degree) Ceremony hosted by Fr. Francis J. Diamond Council 6292 at St. Leo's Church in Fairfax, VA, at 11:00AM. This is a great opportunity because it is so close to our home parish of Nativity. Please contact DGK Carlos Perez at dgk7992@outlook.com no later than 16 January if you would like to attend so we can coordinate with the host Council. Blood Drive: The next Blood Drive is on Super Bowl Saturday (the day prior) February 4, 2017.

Our next council meeting is Tuesday, December 20 starting with the Rosary at 7:15PM.

Join the Knights. Do you want to make a difference as a

Catholic Gentleman? Then join the Knights of Columbus! Please contact DGK Carlos Perez at

dgk7992@outlook.com if you are interested or know someone who is.

Website: www.nativityburke.org Fourth Sunday of Advent December 18, 2016

OUTSIDE THE PARISH

Sunday TV Mass for the Homebound

The Diocese of Arlington, in partnership with the Archdiocese of Washington, produces a weekly Sunday TV Mass filmed in

the Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Viewers can watch the TV Mass every Sunday from 10:30–11:00AM on the DCW50 network.

It is a wonderful ministry for those members of our Catholic family who are unable to be physically present with a local worshiping community for the Sunday Eucharistic Liturgy.

For more information, visit: www.arlingtondiocese.org/tv-mass.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING! SHOP AMAZON & SUPPORT The Shepherd's Center Of Fairfax-Burke (SCFB).

If you are shopping online through Amazon at anytime of the year, please help us get a donation. When shopping on

Amazon, go to smile.amazon.com and designate the Shepherd's Center of Fairfax-Burke as your charity of choice.

After you register, each time you make a purchase, Amazon will automatically provide a 5% donation to our organization.

This will cost you nothing, but you will be helping those in our community who need SCFB's services and programs.

DEMENTIA CARE GIVERS SUPPORT GROUP

Sponsored by the Shepherd's Center of Fairfax-Burke will be on the 2nd Tuesday of the month

from Noon - 1:30pm at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 5114 Twinbrook Road, Fairfax. This winter date is January 10th. The

group is for those caring for someone with dementia or interested in learning more about providing care giving to a person with a disorder

affecting memory and cognition and may impact behavior and physical abilities.

Before attending, contact the facilitator, Eileen Thompson at 703-451-8626 or Eileen.thompson1@gmail.com.

Lord, Teach Me to Pray

A Spiritual Journey with St. Ignatius of Loyola

Part 1: Praying Christian Virtues Praying Christian Virtues will introduce you to the

meditative and contemplative way of prayer devised by St. Ignatius of Loyola, enabling you to further develop your

prayer life. This 12 week program is facilitated in a group setting, meets for 2 hours once a week, and requires fifteen minutes of

daily prayer on assigned scriptures. (No prerequisites)

for MEN only

Starts: Thursday, January 19, 2017 Time: 9:30 – 11:30 AM or 7:00 – 9:00 PM Place: Church of the Nativity

To register or for more information

contact:

Pat Daugherty 703-851-9454

Pat.Daugherty1@verizon.net

English Classes – Hogar Immigrant Services

Starting on January 21st, we will offer English classes on Saturday from 10:00am to 12:00pm at

St. Leo Catholic Church. Registration for classes will take place on January 14th from 10:00am to 12:00pm

in the Guadalupe Room. English classes cost $50, and they will run for 12 weeks. A text book is

already included in this fee. We only accept cash or money orders.

For more information please call Hogar Immigrant Services at (571) 208-1572.

Catholic Charities Loves Volunteers

Do you want to answer God’s call to serve? Please visit www.ccda.net/volunteer.php to find more than 100 different volun-

teer opportunities available. There is something for everyone. Catholic Charities relies on its volunteers to reach those in need throughout the Diocese. We are also seeking corporations who want to come and volunteer as a group! Come and share your

talents and skills with us. To learn more, please contact the Director of Volunteers, Sally O’Dwyer at sodwyer@ccda.net or (703) 841-3838.

Website: www.nativityburke.org Fourth Sunday of Advent December 18, 2016

COLLEGE

We hope to see you over Christmas break!

Wed., 12/28- College Christmas Social 7:00-10:00pm– we’ll reserve the back room at Glory Days.

And let’s be serious…many of us hung out there in high school, so re-live the “glory days.”

Tues., 1/3- College Service Day at Christ House in Old Town, Alexandria. Meet from 10:00am-1:00pm to volunteer in their food pantry and thrift shop. We’re very blessed this Christmas season so we want to remember to give back. Wed., 1/4- College Christmas Twilight Retreat

5:00pm-12:00am

We’re partnering with St. Mary’s, St. Leo’s, and Holy Spirit for this

college retreat. Come for a delicious dinner, special guest speakers on

how your Church can also be your home, Adoration, Mass, and

ending the night playing broomball at Fairfax Ice Arena.

College Mission Trip to Haiti: July 10-14, 2017 Contact Alison Fram to express your interest!

Contact Director: Alison Fram Email: afram@nativityburke.org Cell: 703-577-5329 Find us @nativitycollege or parish website Facebook: Catholic Life Young Adult Ministry

COLLEGE MINISTRY and

YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

YOUNG ADULTS

New Small Group Topic! "Apologetics"

Every Tuesday from 7:30-9:00pm Youth Room at Nativity

Drop in’s are always welcome!

Fairfax Theology on Tap– Monday, December 19

Father Ed Bresnahan is the Chaplain and Director of the Campus Ministry at Bishop Ireton High School in

Alexandria. He was ordained by Bishop Loverde in 2010, and has been a priest for 5 years. At school,

Fr. Bresnahan, the Announcer at Basketball games, can do several celebrity impersonations, and can still do many of the tricks and flips he learned when he was a

gymnast. Fr. Bresnahan most especially enjoys talking with friends about faith. He absolutely loves celebrating Mass, leading retreats

for young people and helping people understand the great love that God has for each

and every one of us.

Join the CYM UPdate

Get on our weekly E-list for UPdates Send an email Child/s name, School, Grade

Parent/Guardian names, cell numbers

During construction, please put your itemized GLORY DAYS receipts in the

collection baskets. Thank you for Supporting Youth Ministry!

Director: Ingrid Sánchez-Seymour

Email: ingridss@nativityburke.org

Web: nativityburke.org/youth programs

December Calendar

CYM Sunday Night Schedule EDGE 3:45pm-5:00pm (Grades 6-8) LIfeTeen 7:00pm-8:30pm (High school)

Dec 18 CYM Night EDGE and LifeTeen

For details on CYM ministry and events, we invite you to join the CYM Update E-list. See information in the box below.

In this season of Gratitude, we thank you for bringing your family to Nativity!

Youth Ministry Hoodies!

Our NEW YM logo in front and the Nativity star on the back

Leading the way to Christ.

Great evangelization without using words! A great gift for you and your family!

To purchase - go the CYM web page and download the form or email Ms. Ingrid.

Thank you for your support!

Website: www.nativityburke.org Fourth Sunday of Advent December 18, 2016

Y CON MARIA… LA ESPERANZA SE

HIZO NIÑO IV Adviento Javier Leoz

1.Poco margen tenemos, en el presente año, entre el IV Domingo de Adviento y la Natividad del Señor. Pero, incluso en ese corto espacio, María emerge como la gran figura de esta liturgia que nos llevará, mañana ya, a la Solemne Misa del Gallo. No podía faltar, María Madre de Dios, como aquella que nos trae al Salvador en este tiempo de adviento que es periodo de espera y de esperanza. Y, con María, llegó la expectación. ¡Todo está a punto de cumplir-se! El “sí” de aquella mañana en Nazaret, nos traerá en las próxi-mas horas al Dios con nosotros. Creyó, esperó y se brindó a todo lo que Dios le pidió. ¿Se puede aguardar más de una mujer que fue un cheque en blanco para el Señor? María, la mujer que se vació totalmente para Dios, está llena a re-bosar del Espíritu. Colmada de las promesas que nuestros antiguos confiaban en ver. Seremos nosotros los que en el día de Navidad, contemplemos cara a cara lo que ha germinado en el interior de una Virgen. A Ella, y no lo olvidemos, le debemos la primera Navidad. ¿Cómo celebrar cristianamente estos próximos días? ¿En dónde poner el acento? ¿Cómo conseguir que Dios siga naciendo en nosotros? No lo dudemos, en María, tenemos la respuesta. Sus actitudes, su forma de ser, su personalidad y su figura, nos dan el tono para desarrollar la melodía que a Dios más le gusta. No lo dudemos, en María, se dan una serie de virtudes y de gracias que, al imitarlas, a la fuerza damos con el secreto y en el clavo para complacer a Dios y para hacer el Evangelio realidad. ¡Sí! Con María llegó la esperanza. No podemos dejar de lado a ninguna de las dos: ni a Maria, porque es fuente de esperanza, ni a la esperanza, porque es la mejor radiografía de una mujer que amó en su corazón y con locura a Dios, mucho antes que recibirlo en sus propias entrañas. 2.¡Qué gran pórtico el de la Navidad! ¡María Virgen! Celebremos con gozo santo estos próximos días. Dejémonos guiar por esta es-trella que ilumina los senderos que conducen a Belén. Miremos a esta mujer que, siendo pequeña, es grande y confidente en cuanto que nos enseña a renovar nuestras personas para que Dios pueda también en nosotros nacer. Miremos hacia el cielo ¿No la veis? ¿Quién ha dicho que solo apa-recerá una estrella en el amplio universo? Hoy, en este cuarto do-mingo de adviento, María es también un destello que marca los compases del caminante que quiere marchar sin detenerse hacia Belén. Que apuremos estas últimas horas. Preparemos, por supuesto, el encuentro familiar: la mesa, los dulces, el calor, el belén o el árbol. Pero, que entre todo ello, no olvidemos lo más importante. Dios para nacer necesita de un corazón bien dispuesto. Que cuando lle-gue en las próximas horas encuentre también una oración en nues-tras casas. Que los villancicos sean un distintivo musical de estas jornadas, que además de familiares, son días de fe. En definitiva, ya que Dios sale a nuestro encuentro en un Niño que se mueve en los fondos de Santa María, que salgamos también nosotros alegres, llenos de fe, preparados, convertidos y dispuestos a que sean unas navidades santas y cristianas.

¡DÁNOS TU CONFIANZA, MARIA! Para que Dios nazca en nosotros sin pedir nada a

cambio y, sea nuestro corazón, una cálida cuna donde Jesús encuentre cobijo

y consuelo.

¡DÁNOS TU CONFIANZA, MARIA! Para que, en estas horas de santa tensión, donde el cielo y la tierra juegan a juntarse

podamos también nosotros hambrear el manjar de Amor que se sirve en Belén.

¡DÁNOS TU CONFIANZA, MARIA!

Queremos que, Tú, seas una puerta por la que podamos entrar

y disfrutar del Misterio de Dios humanado. Una puerta que, cuando se abra desde fuera

entendamos y comprendamos que es Dios quien lo hace desde dentro que es Dios quien tira desde el cielo.

¡DÁNOS TU CONFIANZA, MARIA!

Para que no vacilemos ni en el amor ni en la fe Para que nos pongamos en camino hacia

Aquel que viene Para que seamos heraldos de la Buena Noticia

Para que, el Niño que quiere salir de tus entrañas, encuentre aquí y ahora

hermanos que le amen, le ayuden y le sigan

¡DÁNOS TU CONFIANZA, MARIA! Para que Dios esté pronto con nosotros

Para que nosotros, pronto estemos con El Para que creamos, aun sin ver

Para que aún sin ver, creamos por encima de todo

¡DÁNOS TU CONFIANZA, MARÍA! Sólo así, podremos vivir, celebrar

cantar y festejar el encanto de la Navidad.

Website: www.nativityburke.org Fourth Sunday of Advent December 18, 2016

¿Cómo orar en Adviento y en Navidad? Reflexiones Adviento

Vino a los suyos, pero los suyos no le recibieron... ¿Habrá posada para el Verbo encarnado en nues-tros días?

Por: P. Evaristo Sada LC | Fuente: la-oracion.com

"Dios puso su morada entre los hombres" (Ez 37,27) "por el gran amor con que nos ha amado." (Ef 2,4) Pero ¿es acogido? "Vino a los suyos, pero los suyos no le recibieron" (Jn 1,11) ¿Habrá posada para el Verbo encarna-do en nuestros días? Eso se juega en la libertad de cada uno. Quisiera sugerir algunas pautas para orar en Adviento:

1. Contemplar el misterio de la encarnación: La encarnación del Verbo es la entrada de la presencia de Dios en el mundo y en la historia. El mundo de la carne busca a su Creador. El mundo de la Gracia busca al hombre. El Verbo encarnado es el lugar de encuentro de las dos búsquedas. La divinidad habita corporalmente en Jesús de Nazaret y así encuentra descanso la doble búsqueda.

"Se anonadó a sí mismo, tomando la forma de siervo y haciéndose semejante a un hombre." (Flp 2,7) Nuestra fe se pone a prueba: "esto no puede ser", el Trascendente no puede ser tan cercano, no puede ser que se vuelva tangible, de carne y hueso, un bebé indefenso; es demasiado que Dios llegue al extremo de hacerse siervo. Tenemos aquí la prueba más con-vincente del gran amor con que Dios nos ama, de su incomprensible predilección por el hombre. Dios prueba su amor, el hombre debe probar su fe.

En Adviento y Navidad contemplamos el rostro de Dios que por amor se acercó a nosotros y vive en medio de nosotros. Más cercano está de quien más se acerque a contemplarle. Estar allí contemplándolo con mucho amor es acercarse; eso es lo que obra el amor: una creciente cercanía. 2. Dar posada al Redentor que ha venido, pero aún debe ser acogido. La Redención la ha realizado Cristo con su encarnación, muerte y resurrección, pero aún debe verificarse en cada uno y eso depende de la acogida personal. Dios nunca se impone al hombre, siempre pregunta. Dios es mendigo de la acogida por parte del hombre; se toma muy en serio su libertad. La respeta hasta el grado de verse humillado. Con paciencia, nues-tro Dios sigue tocando la puerta.

La plenitud de los tiempos ya ha llegado con la venida de Cristo, pero no se ha cumplido del todo: se realiza o no en cada persona, que libremente lo acepta o lo rechaza. Lo acepta cuando permite que el amor de Dios le impregne del todo, cuan-do su persona se cubre con la sombra luminosa del Espíritu Santo y Él obra su transformación en Cristo, a través de una sinergia de donaciones repitiendo la historia de la Madre de Dios.

El Redentor es acogido cuando cada uno vive una vida cristiana, una vida en Cristo, no una doble vida, donde aún se reser-va algo para sí, sin tomar completamente en serio la búsqueda de la santidad. "Cuando venga Él, el Espíritu de la Verdad, os guiará hacia la verdad completa (Jn 16,13) La radicalidad de la irrupción de Dios en la historia por la encarnación del Verbo es la que Jesucristo pide hoy de cada uno de sus hijos por la aceptación libre e incondicional del Espíritu Santo, la ley del amor, en la propia vida.

En ese sentido, Adviento es tiempo de conversión, por eso el ornamento morado en la misa: "El Padre celestial, que en el nacimiento de su Hijo unigénito nos manifestó su amor misericordioso, nos llama a seguir sus pasos convirtiendo, como él, nuestra existencia en un don de amor. Y los frutos del amor son los «frutos dignos de conversión» a los que hacía referen-cia san Juan Bautista cuando, con palabras tajantes, se dirigía a los fariseos y a los saduceos que acudían entre la multitud a su bautismo." (Benedicto XVI, 9 de diciembre de 2007)

3. Adorarlo con corazón de pastor y de ángel. "Si no os hacéis como niños, no entraréis en el Reino de los cielos" (Mt 18,3) Para entrar a la cueva de Belén hay que ha-cerse pequeño, como niño. Los pastores y los ángeles tienen corazón de niño. El niño tiene una mirada pura, se maravilla de todo, todo lo disfruta, es capaz de dar amor y de recibir amor con humildad y corazón de pobre.

Los pastores y los ángeles se dieron el tiempo para centrarse en lo esencial: la contemplación del hijo de Dios que habita en medio de nosotros. Los pastores dejaron sus ganados, los ángeles dejaron el cielo; todos se juntaron para adorar a Dios en los brazos de María.

Adviento y Navidad deben ser tiempos de más calma para pasar más tiempo junto a Cristo Eucaristía. Sí, hay que tener el valor de romper esquemas y centrarse en lo esencial. Que esta Navidad, Cristo sea el mejor atendido y el más amado.

Para escribir tus comentarios entra a ¿Cómo orar en Adviento y en Navidad? Esperamos tus comentarios, participa. Comparte tu sed y tu experiencia de Dios con apertura y humildad, para ayudarnos entre todos en un clima de amistad.