GOSPEL: Matthew 3:1-12
In due course John the Baptist appeared; he proclaimed this message in the desert of Judaea, 'Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is close at hand.' This was the man spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said: A voice of one that cries in the desert, 'Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight.' This man John wore a garment made of camel-hair with a leather loin-cloth round his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judaea and the whole Jordan district made their way to him, and as they were baptised by him in the river Jordan they confessed their sins. But when he saw a number of Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism he said to them, 'Brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming retribution? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance, and do not presume to tell yourselves, "We have Abraham as our father," because, I tell you, God can raise children for Abraham from these stones. Even now the axe is being laid to the root of the trees, so that any tree failing to produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown on the fire. I baptise you in water for repentance, but the one who comes after me is more powerful than I, and I am not fit to carry his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fan is in his hand; he will clear his threshing-floor and gather his wheat into his barn; but the chaff he will burn in a fire that will never go out.'

REFLECTION
The main character in this week’s Gospel is John the Baptist. As we know, John was Jesus’ cousin; however he also was a prophet. As John traveled through the desert, he proclaimed: “Reform your lives! The reign of God is at hand”! It was of John that the prophet Isaiah said: “A herald’s voice in the desert: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his path’”.

John was clothed in a garment of camel’s hair, he wore a leather belt around his waist and he ate grasshoppers and wild honey. Many people from Judea came to hear John preach. He baptized many of his followers in the Jordan River and they confessed their sins to God. However, when John realized that many of the Pharisees and Sadducees were coming to him to be baptized, he bluntly said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who told you to flee from the wrath to come? Give some evidence that you truly wish to reform your lives”! He spoke of Abraham then he adds: “Do not pride yourself that Abraham was your father”. John had the courage to be truthful with the Pharisees.

John came to pave the way for Jesus. He was called by God to prophesy to the people. He was popular with some people and not with others. I am sure that his preaching was disturbing to the people who feared his message and his popularity was also frightening to the people in power. Ask yourself: How would I respond if someone today were preaching the message that John preached? Most likely, I would respond as many did at that time. However, I would hope that I would be open-minded enough not to completely dismiss his preaching. I hope that I would examine his words seriously and sense his complete sincerity.

We never know when we might encounter a “John” in our lives. We still have prophets in our day! May you (and I) be open to their teaching and to the sincerity of their lives! Open your mind and heart today! You may receive an unexpected message!
(Sr Kristine Anne Harpenau)

VINNIES CHRISTMAS APPEAL - FINAL WEEK

With 3 million people living below the poverty line in Australia, including over 739,000 children, your donation allows the St Vincent de Paul Society to provide more than immediate help, it provides something much more valuable - the opportunity for a better life. 

This year we are again seeking your support to help those less fortunate in our community through generous donations of non-perishable food items, gift vouchers or gifts or new toys for children or a thoughtful gift for an adult.

Each classroom has been provided with a basket for you to place your donations in and we will be delivering them to the Yass branch of St Vincent de Paul at the end of the term. Thanks to all of the families who have already donated. Your generosity and support is most appreciated. Baskets will be delivered to Vinnies next week.

ADVENT
"The birth of Christ is the central event in the history of the earth -- the very thing the whole story has been about." -- C.S. Lewis 

Advent is the first season in the church calendar. Since the 7th century A.D., Christians have included this celebration in their preparation for Christmas Day.

This Sunday we celebrate the third Sunday of Advent. We light a pink candle on the third Sunday of Advent to represent joy.

Joy can be exuberant when we experience the faithfulness of God, it can be calm confidence in His sovereignty, or pure delight as He expresses His love.

Joy has many shades. It should never be determined by how we feel, but on who God is. The joy of the Lord can thrill us or make us resolute in the secure knowledge of God's presence. Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16 to be joyful always. Jesus tells us "With God all things are possible." Mark 9:24 This combination of truth should help us be joyful each day. (www1.cbn.com)

ADVENT PRAYER SERVICE
We will celebrate the third Sunday of Advent with a prayer service on Monday morning at 9am in the PAC. Week 3 has kindly been prepared by 1JR. We extend a warm welcome to all members of our school community to come and celebrate with us.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT
On Friday 13th December, we will celebrate the Christmas Story through narrative and song. All classes from Kindergarten to Year 6 will be presenting and we would love for you to come and join us. The concert will commence at 11:30am on the asphalt where the students line up. Please bring a folding chair with you as seating will be limited.

GRADUATION MASS
On Tuesday 17th December, we will celebrate our Year 6 student's completion of primary education with a mass. The mass will commence at 9:45am in St Augustine's Church. Again we invite all members of our school community to come and celebrate this great milestone in the lives of our Year 6 students with us. The mass will be followed by a morning tea for our graduating students and their families in the Hartigan Centre.

THANK YOU AND MERRY CHRISTMAS
It only feels like yesterday that I sat down and welcomed you all to another school year. In the blink of an eye, we have now reached the end. We have had many wonderful moments throughout the year and have created endless memories. None of which would be possible without your endless support and the love and care you provide your children with each and every day. As we commence our Summer holidays, I am sure that there will be much quality time shared in each family. Whatever you do or however you spend your holidays, I wish you all the very best and hope that you have a blessed Christmas and a safe and wonderful New Year under the loving care of our Father above.

Seasons Greetings and God Bless,
Warren Ziebowski
Religious Education Coordinator