Welcome to Holy Cross! ¡Bienvenidos a la Iglesia Santa Cruz!

The Christmas Season is here Alleluia! God calls us to come and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and to renew our commitment to our God and community. The Advent Season is one of preparation. It is a time to slow down and meditate on the Word of God. Our Pastor reflected on the 2nd Sunday of Advent and gave us the following Christmas gift for growing closer to God.

A Letter from Jesus

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

How I personally feel about this celebration of my birth can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children and/or grandchildren of your own. I don't care what you call the day. What I do care about is, if you want to celebrate my birth, then just get along...and love one another! Also, if you want to give me a present in remembrance of my birth, here is my wish list. Choose something from it, please:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way my birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers who are away from home. They are more lonely and more afraid at this time of year.l I know: they tell me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home or care center. It might be someone you know- or perhaps someone you don't know. Those folks just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of (or, at least in addition to) giving your children or grandchildren a lot of gifts which you can't afford and they don't need- spend time with them. Tell them the story of my birth, and why I came to live with you down there. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them. Tell them how much you depend on me and how much you want them to learn to love me and trust me, too.
4. Think of some person or persons who have hurt you in the past...[are you thinking of them?] Now, really work at forgiving them -and , if possible and if helpful, let them know you've forgiven them.
5. Did you know that some people in your city are so lonely in this season that they feel hopeless? Since you may not know who they are, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile and a kind word: it could make a difference for someone...for everyone!
6. Instead of nit picking about what the retailers in your city call "the holiday," be patient with the people who work in their stores. (They deal with all kinds of customers all day long!) Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they are aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas"that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Right?
7. If you really want to make a difference, support an active missionary or a retired Nun- especially one who brings my love and the good news of the Gospel to those who have never heard my name... or, in the case of the retired Sister, has done that all her life-long.
8. Here's a good one. There are individuals [and whole families] in your city who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive... and they might be short on food. If you don't know them, buy some food [and a few gifts] and give them to your church [ maybe it has a St. Vincent de Paul Society! ] or give in a meaningful way to some other charity which will know how to get those gifts and food to those who need them the most. (Actually...if you think about it...you could do this in any month of the year-even every month of the year!)
9. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in me and your loyalty to me, then live like a Christian! Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in my presence. Let people know [by your words and deeds] that you are one of mine.                                                                                                                                                                                  Don't forget: I am God and I can take care of myself. Just love me... and love one another...and do what I've told you    to do. I 'll take care of all the rest, trust me.

Mindful that John the Baptist was asked by people, long ago, "what should we do?" I've given you 9 things to do. If                 you want to put a 10th thing on the list -thank you, in advance.

But do give this list you attention, pray about it- and then get to work- time is short!

One last time: I'll help you. But the ball is now in your court.

Do have a most blessed Christmas with all those you love...

Remember: I LOVE YOU!

Now, love others as I love you!

Jesus