Today it's the third Sunday of Advent and we've asked Chris, who is the coordinator of our member group Drachma LGBTI to share some thoughts.

As we journey towards Christmas every year, there are two emotions we are tempted to embrace: ‘expectations’ and ‘fear’. As we get closer to Christmas our expectations for happiness and joy increase too. Often because we are surrounded by an overload of lights, delicious feed and overall excitement, that by the time Christmas comes, we expect some heavenly bliss? And what happens when we get to that day, and we feel ourselves flat and empty? We too are also sometimes overcome by fear, of getting hurt, of not finding happiness, of not being like others. Sometimes, fear also becomes overloaded, to the extent that we do not have the freedom to be truly ourselves. We are tempted to fake happiness, and to fake joy. Hence, the deep sorrow and emptiness in our hearts as we let fear encircle our hearts and fill us with bitterness.

Christmas however has a deeper meaning and answer to both temptations: Do not be afraid. Do not succumb to illusory expectations. Open your heart to Him who was born defenceless, who opened His arms to You! Be like Mary and be like Jesus: put your trust in God, and discover Him to be the true source of freedom, the true source of joy. Leave your fear at His blessed feet. Own it and call it by its proper name. And like Mary, let your life be guided totally by His will! If you feel you are still far from this feeling, do not be disheartened. Have faith in God, place your hope in Him!

May this Christmas time be truly a time for authentic peace and joy, and an abode for true freedom all year long!

- Chris Vella