SUNDAY SERVICE

Today is the fourth and last Sunday of Advent.  Christmas is very near.

In the Gospel, Luke gives us the story of Mary visiting her aged cousin, Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist.  It was a long journey seated on an animal.  Mary needed to do it in preparation for her giving birth to Jesus.  We can at least make the journey to church in preparation for His birthday.

In the first reading we hear today, Micah, a prophet who lived 700 years before Jesus was born, wrote that the king of Israel would be born in the tiny city of Bethlehem.  Yes, there are prophets.

In the second reading, Paul's letter tells the Hebrews that they shouldn't be concerned with their old laws. Bloody sacrifices and offerings in payment for sins were no longer necessary.  Jesus sacrificed himself for their sins.  Nothing else was necessary.  Only that you be like Christ - love God and one another.

Don't make religion too complicated.  Love God and love one another.
*o*