Dear Brothers  and Sisters in Christ:

As we continue our 4 week Advent Study, we are challenged to consider a new way of living. God did not burst upon the scene riding on a trusty steed, slaying all the evil people of the world. Instead, God came in the form of a helpless baby to reveal that God's desire was not to deatroy the human race (God had already tried that and learned the folly of that attempt wiht Noah and his family). No God came in the form of a helpless baby to encourage us to die to the old ways and be born anew. A church is a community which believes that and exists to support that new birth and the new life journey that follows.

Read Luke 2:4-12 What dos this scene tell you about the picture God wanted to paint of Jesus coming ministry?

Rob Renfroe writes, "As we explore the wonder of Christmas together in the coming weeks, you are invited to see the world - and what God has done - through the gift of wonder; to believe there is more to this world than the eye beholds; to look for the beauty in what God has done and allow yourself to be amazed by a story you've heard a hundred times; to come to this season with a spirit of curiosity, trusting that it will slow down and open your heart."

Last  week we had a great discussion about The Wonder of a Star.  The Wise Men believed there was something more to life, so they set out in search of it. "The longing within was a yearning for something more than this world could provide. So they set out on a spiritual quest to find something that could fill the longing within their souls." (Renfroe)

 

We found that we identified with that yearning for "something more" and how we might find that in our relationship with Christ Jesus.

This week we will conside the Wonder of a Name. As Juliiet said in the Shakespearian play, "What's in a name?" Perhaps you've never considered the significance of your own name and why your parents chose it for you. How has your name shaped you and your life decisions?

In our time together this Tuesday, we will consider the importance and signicance of the name God chose for this new baby of Joseph and Mary - the name God chose for himself while God has become flesh and dwelt among us. 

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:

What does "wonder" mean to you? Who or what causes you to wonder-to be amazed,curious, or inspired ?

Have you ever "wondered" about your name and "wondered" about changing it?

Have you ever been through an experience with someone that bonded you together in a way you never would have expected?

I would love to hear from any of you, but especially from those who will not be able to join our class in person.

Reflect on your own spiritual journey. 

Read, Pray, Reflect. Then, Come and Share!

Since I post this study on Face Book as well as the St Jerome's website, I invite comments and questions from any of you who are not able to be physically with us, but find this study meaningful and would like to be a part of it. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected].

Bless you all,

Fr Colin Kelly