Advent Message from Rev. Richard Dellos
Advent – Preparation for Christ’s coming (Second coming in the future, His coming at Christmas in a special way to all of us and His coming at the time of Death)
At Advent Season:
How did (does) the Holy Spirit act in time of preparation for salvation of the world?
At Christmas Season:
God has spoken in this final age thru His Son as He has spoken thru the prophets to our fathers in fragmentary ways. It was in the fullness of the designated time had come that God sent man a savior, His only Son; conceived thru the Power of the Holy Spirit. He is the Word of God who dwelt of man and became the Son of man in order to open the way for man to receive God, for God to dwell of man, according to the will of the Father.
God’s work of salvation which embraces all humanity in God’s mysterion (secret plan) has been revealed by the Holy Spirit. God renews his people by the Holy Spirit by lavishing on them His Holy Spirit, making us His children. We have received a new status in our adopted sonship.
There is proof for our new sonship and daughtership and that is that the Spirit of Jesus is sent into our hearts. The Spirit that has been sent (as proof) over our “ABBA” to the Father so that we become heirs to eternal life by God’s design.
Mary conceived the incarnate Word by the Power of the Holy Spirit. In other words, it is by the Power of the Holy Spirit that the Divine Sonship is founded. Christmas is the beginning of the redemption. (Christmas Vigil prayer over the gifts.) We experience greater joy than ever at this Christmas Vigil since it marks the beginning of our Redemption.
A nuptial union is being celebrated in that the first great manifestation of this marriage is in the incarnation. The Eternal Son of God, indissolubly linked to human nature in the person of Christ now appears in time - and the author of this nuptial union is the Holy Spirit.
On the second Sunday after Christmas, Sirach centers on Divine Wisdom making His dwelling in His people and that we are predestined as adopted children of God through Jesus. (Eph 1, 3-6) And who is it that guides us on our discovery of the mysteries of God’s wisdom conforming us to the ? - none other than the Holy Spirit.
At the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan River, the Spirit is at work announcing, constituting and manifesting Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, the Savior (similar to what happened at Nazareth). Jesus is consecrated here by the Spirt at the Jordan River and from this point in His life will forever show Himself willing to assume the humiliations and sufferings implicit in His choice of solidarity with sinful humanity.
The theme of Hope permeates the whole Christmas period. The human heart is being opened up to the hope of salvation (LK 2, 10) during the Christmas season. The angel Gabriel shares “good news” – This news is tidings of great joy! to be shared by the whole people!
Christ, born in time, has come to lift up all things to Himself, to restore unity to all creation, and to lead all men from exile into your heavenly Kingdom. This is good news for the whole world. Today is the Birthday of Life. Jesus comes to free us all! Our common humanity is reconciled with the Creator by the Redeemer. He came to overthrow the devil. When angels are so exultant, what joy should it not bring to us? God took pity on us and we are a new creation. Rescued from darkness we are a new creation. By our Baptism we are a temple of the Holy Spirit.
We give special thanks to the Mother of God during this season, her Divine Maternity is contemplated January 1 as a marvel of the Holy Spirit; for she became the Virgin Mother of Jesus (the light, by the power of the Holy Spirit).
They were all in one place together (the upper room). They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues. People were saying “they had too much new wine”.
Peter gives a speech and talks about the fulfilment of Joel. The first of 5 speeches, the 6th by Paul speaking of Proclamation, Kerygma. The Spirit was to be poured out (apocalyptically) on all flesh of prophecy, visions, signs and wonders. Peter speaks of Jesus’ death/Resurrection. This Jesus, having received the promise of the Holy Spirit, pours it forth!
- (as you see/hear)
The people are “cut to the heart” and ask what should we do?
The answer = “Repent and Be Baptized” every one of you and “you will receive the Holy Spirit as gift. This is a promise made to you and your children; so “save yourselves from the corrupt generation.”
Acts 2, 42 – Devotion to:
All things were shared in common. They sold property/possessions and divided them up to share. They met daily in the temple area, breaking bread in the homes. They shared meals with exaltation and sincerity of heart, praising God, enjoying favor with all the people and the Lord adding to their number those who were being saved!
Peter heals a cripple who goes into the temple walking, jumping praising God! People are filled with amazement and astonishment.
Peter gives another speech Repent and Be converted – that your sins may be washed away that the Lord grant times of refreshment and times of universal restoration in the messianic age.
God sent Jesus His prophet who was sent to bless you > help you turn from your evil ways. Listen to Him.
Noting the Boldness of which Peter/John spoke, after prayer and shaking of the place and the people again are filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the Word of God with Boldness.
The community of believers were of one heart, mind, and shared their possessions.
With great power, the apostles Bore Witness to the Resurrection. They took care of each other so that no one was needy among them!
1 Cor/22 – He has given us the Spirit in our hearts as a First Installment (The Spirt is the down payment of the full messianic benefits that God guarantees to Christians (referring to the process of Initiation into the Christian life) Eph: 1,14 - First Installment = the down payment by God on full salvation.
First letter of Peter 2: 1-17
Be as eager for milk as newborn babies - Pure milk of the Spirit to make you grow unto salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
- Model for Advent= St. Elizabeth who was filled with the Holy Spirit as she greeted Mary, the Mother of God.
- 4 Ways to Prepare
- Holiness – “Make our hearts blameless/progress in Holiness.”
- True knowledge & conversion – “Clear conscience/blameless conduct” “valuing the things that really matter” – the harvest of justice.
- Joy – in prayer, thanksgiving, avoiding any semblance of evil and not stifling the Spirit.
- To be irreproachable at Christmas coming.
At Advent Season:
How did (does) the Holy Spirit act in time of preparation for salvation of the world?
- The Holy Spirit spoke through the prophets teaching All Humanity to Hope for Salvation, again and again offering man a covenant.
- Under His shadow the Blessed Virgin Mary welcomed the Son of God in faith receiving the angel’s message in faith.
- Through His inspiration, John the Baptist proclaimed the coming Christians, pointing out His presence among humanity.
- The Spirit – even now - prepares the Church to meet the Lord.
At Christmas Season:
- Here the focus is on the Patience of God toward humanity down thru so many generations of just and sinners alike before the coming of Christmas. Having walked in darkness and gloom, the people have seen a great light. The yoke is smashed and now they rejoice and name Him Wonder-Consoler, God-Hero, Father Forever, Prince of Peace. How beautiful the feat of Him who brings good news, announcing peace and salvation. Watchmen shout for joy, the Lord restoring Zion, the Lord brings comfort, redemption, baring His arm, all the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God. He has remembered His kindness/faithfulness. Break into song; sing praise, play harp/trumpet!
God has spoken in this final age thru His Son as He has spoken thru the prophets to our fathers in fragmentary ways. It was in the fullness of the designated time had come that God sent man a savior, His only Son; conceived thru the Power of the Holy Spirit. He is the Word of God who dwelt of man and became the Son of man in order to open the way for man to receive God, for God to dwell of man, according to the will of the Father.
God’s work of salvation which embraces all humanity in God’s mysterion (secret plan) has been revealed by the Holy Spirit. God renews his people by the Holy Spirit by lavishing on them His Holy Spirit, making us His children. We have received a new status in our adopted sonship.
There is proof for our new sonship and daughtership and that is that the Spirit of Jesus is sent into our hearts. The Spirit that has been sent (as proof) over our “ABBA” to the Father so that we become heirs to eternal life by God’s design.
Mary conceived the incarnate Word by the Power of the Holy Spirit. In other words, it is by the Power of the Holy Spirit that the Divine Sonship is founded. Christmas is the beginning of the redemption. (Christmas Vigil prayer over the gifts.) We experience greater joy than ever at this Christmas Vigil since it marks the beginning of our Redemption.
A nuptial union is being celebrated in that the first great manifestation of this marriage is in the incarnation. The Eternal Son of God, indissolubly linked to human nature in the person of Christ now appears in time - and the author of this nuptial union is the Holy Spirit.
On the second Sunday after Christmas, Sirach centers on Divine Wisdom making His dwelling in His people and that we are predestined as adopted children of God through Jesus. (Eph 1, 3-6) And who is it that guides us on our discovery of the mysteries of God’s wisdom conforming us to the ? - none other than the Holy Spirit.
At the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan River, the Spirit is at work announcing, constituting and manifesting Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, the Savior (similar to what happened at Nazareth). Jesus is consecrated here by the Spirt at the Jordan River and from this point in His life will forever show Himself willing to assume the humiliations and sufferings implicit in His choice of solidarity with sinful humanity.
The theme of Hope permeates the whole Christmas period. The human heart is being opened up to the hope of salvation (LK 2, 10) during the Christmas season. The angel Gabriel shares “good news” – This news is tidings of great joy! to be shared by the whole people!
Christ, born in time, has come to lift up all things to Himself, to restore unity to all creation, and to lead all men from exile into your heavenly Kingdom. This is good news for the whole world. Today is the Birthday of Life. Jesus comes to free us all! Our common humanity is reconciled with the Creator by the Redeemer. He came to overthrow the devil. When angels are so exultant, what joy should it not bring to us? God took pity on us and we are a new creation. Rescued from darkness we are a new creation. By our Baptism we are a temple of the Holy Spirit.
We give special thanks to the Mother of God during this season, her Divine Maternity is contemplated January 1 as a marvel of the Holy Spirit; for she became the Virgin Mother of Jesus (the light, by the power of the Holy Spirit).
- for the Promise of the Father, for you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit. You will receive POWER when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth.
They were all in one place together (the upper room). They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues. People were saying “they had too much new wine”.
Peter gives a speech and talks about the fulfilment of Joel. The first of 5 speeches, the 6th by Paul speaking of Proclamation, Kerygma. The Spirit was to be poured out (apocalyptically) on all flesh of prophecy, visions, signs and wonders. Peter speaks of Jesus’ death/Resurrection. This Jesus, having received the promise of the Holy Spirit, pours it forth!
- (as you see/hear)
The people are “cut to the heart” and ask what should we do?
The answer = “Repent and Be Baptized” every one of you and “you will receive the Holy Spirit as gift. This is a promise made to you and your children; so “save yourselves from the corrupt generation.”
Acts 2, 42 – Devotion to:
- Teaching of Apostles
- Communal life
- Breaking of Bread
- The prayers
All things were shared in common. They sold property/possessions and divided them up to share. They met daily in the temple area, breaking bread in the homes. They shared meals with exaltation and sincerity of heart, praising God, enjoying favor with all the people and the Lord adding to their number those who were being saved!
Peter heals a cripple who goes into the temple walking, jumping praising God! People are filled with amazement and astonishment.
Peter gives another speech Repent and Be converted – that your sins may be washed away that the Lord grant times of refreshment and times of universal restoration in the messianic age.
God sent Jesus His prophet who was sent to bless you > help you turn from your evil ways. Listen to Him.
Noting the Boldness of which Peter/John spoke, after prayer and shaking of the place and the people again are filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the Word of God with Boldness.
The community of believers were of one heart, mind, and shared their possessions.
With great power, the apostles Bore Witness to the Resurrection. They took care of each other so that no one was needy among them!
1 Cor/22 – He has given us the Spirit in our hearts as a First Installment (The Spirt is the down payment of the full messianic benefits that God guarantees to Christians (referring to the process of Initiation into the Christian life) Eph: 1,14 - First Installment = the down payment by God on full salvation.
First letter of Peter 2: 1-17
Be as eager for milk as newborn babies - Pure milk of the Spirit to make you grow unto salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.