St. Maximilian Kolbe ChurchSt. Maximilian Kolbe ChurchSt. Maximilian Kolbe ChurchSt. Maximilian Kolbe Church

December 20, 2015December 20, 2015December 20, 2015December 20, 2015

Fourth Sunday of AdventFourth Sunday of AdventFourth Sunday of AdventFourth Sunday of Advent

When Elizabeth heard When Elizabeth heard When Elizabeth heard When Elizabeth heard

Mary’s greeting,Mary’s greeting,Mary’s greeting,Mary’s greeting,

the infant leaped in her the infant leaped in her the infant leaped in her the infant leaped in her

womb, and Elizabeth, womb, and Elizabeth, womb, and Elizabeth, womb, and Elizabeth,

filled with the Holy Spirit, filled with the Holy Spirit, filled with the Holy Spirit, filled with the Holy Spirit,

cried out in a loud voice cried out in a loud voice cried out in a loud voice cried out in a loud voice

and said, and said, and said, and said,

“Blessed are you among “Blessed are you among “Blessed are you among “Blessed are you among

women, and blessed is women, and blessed is women, and blessed is women, and blessed is

the fruit of your womb.the fruit of your womb.the fruit of your womb.the fruit of your womb.

And how does this And how does this And how does this And how does this

happen to me, happen to me, happen to me, happen to me,

that the mother of my that the mother of my that the mother of my that the mother of my

Lord should come to me?Lord should come to me?Lord should come to me?Lord should come to me?

For at the moment the For at the moment the For at the moment the For at the moment the

sound of your greeting sound of your greeting sound of your greeting sound of your greeting

reached my ears, reached my ears, reached my ears, reached my ears,

the infant in my womb the infant in my womb the infant in my womb the infant in my womb

leaped for joy.leaped for joy.leaped for joy.leaped for joy.

Blessed are you Blessed are you Blessed are you Blessed are you

who believed that what who believed that what who believed that what who believed that what

was spoken to youwas spoken to youwas spoken to youwas spoken to you

by the Lordby the Lordby the Lordby the Lord

would be fulfilled.”would be fulfilled.”would be fulfilled.”would be fulfilled.”

————Luke 1:41Luke 1:41Luke 1:41Luke 1:41----45454545

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RRRREVEVEVEV. M. M. M. MSGRSGRSGRSGR. R. R. R. ROBERTOBERTOBERTOBERT J. CJ. CJ. CJ. CARROLLARROLLARROLLARROLL, Pastor RRRREVEVEVEV. M. M. M. MARCARCARCARC F. CF. CF. CF. CAPIZZIAPIZZIAPIZZIAPIZZI, , , , Parochial Vicar RRRREVEVEVEV. T. T. T. THOMASHOMASHOMASHOMAS J. GJ. GJ. GJ. GARDNERARDNERARDNERARDNER In Residence LLLLAWRENCEAWRENCEAWRENCEAWRENCE BBBBRANDONRANDONRANDONRANDON, Permanent Deacon, Retired WWWWILLIAMILLIAMILLIAMILLIAM HHHHICKEYICKEYICKEYICKEY, Permanent Deacon AAAALFREDLFREDLFREDLFRED MMMMAURIELLOAURIELLOAURIELLOAURIELLO, Permanent Deacon MMMMONICAONICAONICAONICA MMMMALSEEDALSEEDALSEEDALSEED School Principal RRRROBERTAOBERTAOBERTAOBERTA DDDDAINTONAINTONAINTONAINTON,,,, Director of Religious Education SSSSUSANUSANUSANUSAN BBBBARBELLAARBELLAARBELLAARBELLA, Business Manager JJJJACKACKACKACK CCCCRITTENDENRITTENDENRITTENDENRITTENDEN, Building & Grounds Supervisor SSSSARAARAARAARA TTTTOPPEROPPEROPPEROPPER, Music Director LLLLORIORIORIORI MMMMILLERILLERILLERILLER, , , , Administrative Assistant SSSSUSANUSANUSANUSAN TTTTEAFORDEAFORDEAFORDEAFORD, , , , Parish Secretary

RRRRECTORYECTORYECTORYECTORY PPPPHONEHONEHONEHONE 610-399-6936 RRRRECTORYECTORYECTORYECTORY FFFFAXAXAXAX 610-399-4828 RRRRELIGIOUSELIGIOUSELIGIOUSELIGIOUS EEEEDUCATIONDUCATIONDUCATIONDUCATION OOOOFFICEFFICEFFICEFFICE 610-399-9642 SCHOOLSCHOOLSCHOOLSCHOOL PHONEPHONEPHONEPHONE 610-399-8400

MAILINGMAILINGMAILINGMAILING AAAADDRESSDDRESSDDRESSDDRESS: 15 East Pleasant Grove Road West Chester, PA 19382

WWWWEBSITEEBSITEEBSITEEBSITE AAAADDRESSDDRESSDDRESSDDRESS: www.stmax.org EEEEMAILMAILMAILMAIL ADDRESSADDRESSADDRESSADDRESS: saintmax@comcast.net BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS bulletin@stmax.org

SSSSCHEDULECHEDULECHEDULECHEDULE OFOFOFOF MMMMASSESASSESASSESASSES Saturday – Vigil Mass – 5:30 PM

Sunday – 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 AM, 12:00 Noon WWWWEEKDAYSEEKDAYSEEKDAYSEEKDAYS ININININ THETHETHETHE CCCCHAPELHAPELHAPELHAPEL

Monday through Friday – 8:00 AM Saturday – 9:00 AM

HHHHOLYOLYOLYOLY DDDDAYSAYSAYSAYS OFOFOFOF OBLIGATIONOBLIGATIONOBLIGATIONOBLIGATION VIGIL 5:30 PM

8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 7:00 PM

CCCCONFESSIONSONFESSIONSONFESSIONSONFESSIONS Saturday 4:00 to 5:00 PM or by appointment.

BBBBAPTISMAPTISMAPTISMAPTISM –––– Celebrated the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month at 1:00 PM. Please call the Rectory Office 6-8 weeks in advance to make arrangements. PPPPRERERERE----JORDANJORDANJORDANJORDAN – Expectant and/or new parents are to participate in a class on Baptism. This session is held on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 1:00 PM. It is necessary to call the Rectory in advance of the class to register. MMMMARRIAGESARRIAGESARRIAGESARRIAGES – Arrangements should be made at least six months before the date of the wedding. AAAANOINTINGNOINTINGNOINTINGNOINTING OOOOFFFF TTTTHEHEHEHE SSSSICKICKICKICK————In case of serious illness or surgery, please contact one of our parish priests. This Sacrament can also be administered after any weekday Mass. Please see the priest in the Sacristy. HHHHOMEOMEOMEOME VVVVISITSISITSISITSISITS---- Anyone unable to attend Mass regularly due to illness may call the Rectory to make arrangements to receive Communion in their homes. NNNNEWEWEWEW PPPPARISHIONERSARISHIONERSARISHIONERSARISHIONERS – Register at the Rectory at your earliest convenience or go to www.stmax.org. Please notify the Rectory of any change of address as soon as possible. CCCCHARISMATICHARISMATICHARISMATICHARISMATIC PPPPRAYERRAYERRAYERRAYER: Tuesdays in the Chapel at 7:30 PM. CCCCENTERINGENTERINGENTERINGENTERING PPPPRAYERRAYERRAYERRAYER:::: Fridays in the Chapel at 8:45 AM RCIARCIARCIARCIA–––– For those desiring to become Catholic or adults who were not baptized. Contact Fr. Capizzi.

RRRRECTORYECTORYECTORYECTORY OOOOFFICEFFICEFFICEFFICE HHHHOURSOURSOURSOURS Monday through Thursday 8:30AM-5:00PM

Friday 8:30AM-4:00PM

Sunday 8:30AM-1:30PM

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION EVERY TUESDAY

Beginning at 8:30AM and concluding at 7:00 PM with the Miraculous

Medal Novena and Benediction.

Advent is all about being mindful that, ultimately, this is a season of joyful expectation for the most wonderful Gift of all, freely bestowed by a loving God on all of us.

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PREPARE THE WAY FOR THE LORD: FULFILLMENT!

“ My Soul Magnifies the Lord” ~ Luke 1:39-55

When Mary visits Elizabeth, she exclaims, “Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord” (v. 45) Blessed was Mary for her hope and her faith. Blessed are we, to have this same hope and faith in the fulfillment of God’s promise to his followers!

The way that Mary’s faith was fulfilled was amazing. The birth of Jesus was not quite the same as that of other kings. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church notes, “In this poverty heaven’s glory was made manifest” (525, cf. Lk 2:6-7)

Questions to Ponder: ~ Has your faith every been shaken when things do not seem to be going according to plan?

~ What does the season of Advent teach us about trusting God? ~ How might we be better witnesses, like the angels, to God’s love for us in Christ?

The birth of the Lord would certainly not match most parents’ hopes. But God has a plan, and he never fails. And what joy this brings! Even in the cold dark of winter we can find joy in the

fulfillment of our hope and faith. Our souls can magnify the Lord - he is coming!

Family Activity: Spend time at the Crib

Spend time in quiet prayer near the Nativity scene. What does the manger teach us? How could God allow his Son to be born in a stable? Give thanks for the gifts of Christ and the joy of the Christmas season to come. Prayer: Mary, Mother of God, teach us your spirit of gratitude and show us the way to freedom of hearth through your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen

Families in Action thanks you for your overwhelming support of our "Don’t come empty handed.” campaign for the Act in Faith Community Cupboard in West Chester. Many tubes of toothpaste were collected and will be shared with our neighbors in need this winter.

For the month of December we ask that you bring hand and body cream-any sizes- with you when you come to church. They can be left in the Families in Action bin in the church vestibule to be distributed through the interfaith community cupboard to neighbors struggling financially. Many are elderly or do not have cars, and spend a fair amount of time out in the weather. Hand and body cream helps keep skin from getting cracked and infected.

For more information on how you can get involved please go to http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090e4faea96-community

Page 4 December 20, 2015

St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish

School is a treasure right in

your backyard.

Take a tour and discover the many facets of our school and how your child might benefit from a Catholic School education.

Catholic values Strong academics Latest Technology

Art, Music, Physical Education Full Day PreK and Kindergarten

Active Parent Association After School Cares Program

Call for an appointment and tour: 610-399-8400

ADVENT AND THE JUBILEE OF YEAR OF MERCY

Have you checked the St. Max website, www.stmax.org, lately? Here you can find information about many parish activities as well as the special times the Church is now celebrating. These are some highlights: Pope Francis proclaimed The Jubilee Year of Mercy, which begins on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, 2015, and continues through the Feast of Christ the King on November 20, 2016. On our website home page you can find two links related to the Jubilee:

• A video of Bishop Robert Barron talking about Pope Francis and Mercy, including the relationship between God’s love and mercy and our sin.

• In the Catholic Links section, click on the Merciful Like the Father logo to see the Vatican website about the Jubilee. There you find the pope’s official proclamation; his letter explaining the meaning and importance of mercy; the many graces available to the faithful; and much more.

At the top of the home page, click on Adult Faith

Formation to view an entertaining two-minute, fast-paced video on the true meaning of Advent, and a video of Bishop Barron’s words of wisdom on the spirituality of the season.

YEAR OF MERCY APP Our Sunday Visitor’s FREE 365 Days to Mercy app, is designed to accompany you on a spiritual journey during the Jubilee Year of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis. The official Year of Mercy is December 8, 2015 to November 20, 2016, but daily inspiration, stories, and news began appearing in the app on November 20, 2015, giving you a full 365 Days to Mercy. Available on the App Store and on Google Play.

Page 5 December 20, 2015

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: HEALING FOR THE SOUL

Are you looking for a way to enrich your spiritual life and grow closer to Jesus? We have a great opportunity every Tuesday to

spend some time with Jesus during Eucharistic Adoration. Members of a wonderful group of people have each committed to being there for a particular hour between 9 am and 7 pm so Jesus is never left alone. Many others are able to come in for briefer visits. Any one of any age is always welcome. Just drop in. Some people just sit there quietly with Jesus; some pray the rosary or other prayers; some read spiritual books. There are no requirements or expectations. Try it! We’d like to have at least two people committed to each hour; we also need to compile a list of people who are willing to be called upon as substitutes when the regular adorers are unable to be there. If you would like to participate in this important ministry, let us know. We have a particular need for the 9 to 10 am and 5 to 6 pm hours, but additional people are welcome at any hour. To volunteer for a regular hour or to be placed on the sub list, please provide your name and contact information to Anne Chavez at chavezamd@gmail.com or 610-793-2154 or call the rectory to volunteer. "The time you spend with Jesus in the Blessed

Sacrament is the best time you will spend on earth.

Each moment that you spend with Jesus will deepen

your union with Him and make your soul

everlastingly more glorious and beautiful in Heaven,

and will help bring about everlasting peace on earth."

(Mother Teresa)

VATICAN SPLENDORS The beauty of Vatican City is currently being hosted at The Franklin Institute with the once-in-a lifetime exhibit, Vatican Splendors. From the sights and sounds of the grand Basilica to a touchable cast of Saint John Paul II’s hand, embark on a journey through the ages of artistic expression and religious iconography. Many of these items have never been seen outside of Vatican City. The Franklin Institute is offering tickets that are discounted more than 28% off of the box office price. Visit www.fi.edu or call 215-448-1200 and use the promo code ARCHPHL and plan your trip today. This exhibit will run through February 15, 2016.

COURAGE AND ENCOURAGE

Do you or a loved one struggle with same-sex attraction? The Courage Apostolate is the only national, ecclesiastically approved Catholic Ministry to men and women living with same-sex attraction. Courage is not an orientation change group. Rather, we are a spiritual support group for those who wish to live chastely in accordance with the teachings of the Church. To contact or speak with the Philadelphia C o u r a g e C h a p t e r , p l e a s e e m a i l courage.philadelphia@gmail.com or call 215-587-4505. Your confidentiality is respected. More information about the Courage apostolate can be found at www.couragerc.org.

VIGIL FOR LIFE Come pray as a volunteer Helper of God’s Precious Infants at the Vigil for Life. It will be held at on Saturday, January 2, beginning with Mass at 8:00 AM at St. Agnes Church, 231 W. Gay Street, West Chester. A procession to the Planned Parenthood Building on Wayne and Market Streets will follow the Mass. The Rosary will be prayed at the abortion site.

Page 6 December 20, 2015

ARE YOU REGISTERED?

If you worship with us, we welcome you to St. Maximilian Kolbe! We encourage you to register and become an active member of our parish community. We strive to keep our membership records as updated as possible. There is a constant ebb and flow of people moving in and out of the parish. If you don’t receive mail from the parish, it is a good indication that we do not have you enrolled. If you wish to register, please come to the Rectory Office after Mass on Sunday from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM or from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. The Rectory Office phone number is (610) 399-6936. You may also register online at www.stmax.org.

CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE 2015

CONFESSIONS Saturday, December 26

from 4:00PM to 5:00PM

.

CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE OF MASSES

Christmas Eve Thursday, December 24 4:00PM, 6:00PM and 8:00PM in the Church

4:00PM and 5:30PM in the Gym

Christmas Day Friday, December 25 8:00AM, 10:00AM and 12 Noon

Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God

New Year’s Eve Thursday, December 31 5:30 PM

New Year’s Day Friday, January 1 9:00AM and 10:30 AM

FOUND IN CHURCH

A gold bracelet was found in church. Please call the Rectory Office to describe it and claim it.

Page 7 December 20, 2015

V{Ü|áàÅtá

YÄÉãxÜ

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Marie Hill The Klimchalk Family The Mengers Family

Klecko & Allan Families Glowacki Family

Grey Family Victoria Camerote

Theresa & Peter Camerote Rose DiMeo

Pasquale DiMeo Michael Tobin Sr.

Jalev Terrero Thomas & Frances Higgins

Joseph & Josephine Pawloski Dec’d Gustainis & Terzi Family

Tina & Al Clark Al Hoffecker

Terri C. Hoffecker Joseph & Edith Monte

Mary Colameco Adam &Mary Annett

Lloyd & Emma Wilkinson Angelo Giosio & Family

Derald D. Hay Marge Hay

Armond Bonanni Dec’d of McFadden & Nolan Fam.

Flaviano Guron Herman Tavani

Flora Tavani Harold Wood

Joseph B. Bleming Leonette D. Fleming

John T. Sheehan Eleanor M. Sheehan

Stanziola Family Patricia Kenny

Gleason/Murphy Families Alphonso & Rose Gautille

Richard Burke M/M Leonar Ostanek

M/M Walter Musselman Dec’d Parents of Peter &

Elizabeth McCoy

M/M Paul Plevelich Teresa Secret

Thomasina & Rose Byrne/Capone Families

Barbara A. Freney Karen M. Freney John Wasniewski

Tom & Rita Lewis Robert & Claire Misquith

Brian Murtaugh Leonard D’Adamo

Dec’d of Magner & Coons Fam. Amado L. Vicencio Rosemary C. Farrell

Clementi & DiSanti Fam. Gray-Macauley Fam.

Maria & Enrico Salvatori Ed Sage

Vittoria Smith Regina O’Conell

Aloysius O’Connell Deborah O’Connell-Rendell

Sue Mele Joseph F. Carlow

Elizabeth & Joseph Stepsus Kelliher & Crosby Fam.

Conner Whalen Catherine Carr

Breslin & Demarco Fam. Constance Schaab

Sam & Dolores Emmi Yolanda Petrone Armando Greco Larry Petrone

John Kasmer, Sr. Agnes Kasmer

Trina Killy John Kasmer Jr. James F. Malloy

Mary Malloy Joann Moyer

Our Grandparents T. A. Bohanskie

Charles J. O’Neill Kasey Obarski

Francis Revenis Sterling & Dawn Harvey

Carmen & Madaelyn Bucci Nicholas & Esther Cavuto

Mary Russell Martin Saunders, Sr.

James E. Butler

Joseph Frisco Glenn & Earl Gincley

Susan & Michael Yetsko Mozzani & Popolillo Families

Yvonne Miranda Margie Rodini James Widner Robert Ward

Dec’d Gincley & O’Neill Families Parfitt/McCarty Family

Catherine & Charles Bannon David Dougherty

Patrick & Mary Ann Dougherty Lawrence, Edna & Nancy Scott

Dorothy Muhleisen Polinsky & Spangler Families

Dec’d of Tomlinson & Ellis Families James & Teresa Mowery

Joseph & Madeline Cosden Slaboski & Britt Families Edward “Pop Pops” Burns Zambito & Nappi Families Kates & McHale Families

Angie Delconte Evelyn Lyons

Howley & Metzler Families M/M Joseph Grele

McBride, Bowie & McEvoy Delconte & Carpenter Families

Dec’d Brady & Chlekon Families Anna Roscoe & Augusta Orazietti Dec’d of Mullin & Neely Families

Irad DeFriest Richard Younkons

Dec’d Marsecano & Iannone Fam. Dec’d Smallwood & Roberts Fam.

Page 8 December 20, 2015

Please remember to pray for those in need of hope and healing. Please remember to pray for those in need of hope and healing. Please remember to pray for those in need of hope and healing. Please remember to pray for those in need of hope and healing.

Mary, Health of the Sick, pray for them. Mary, Health of the Sick, pray for them. Mary, Health of the Sick, pray for them. Mary, Health of the Sick, pray for them.

Laura Arena, James Burke, Sr., Donna Burke, Joan Carbo, Maryann Corrigan, Maria Costello, Glen Dekutowski, Lisa Dekutski, Louis DiGregorio, Frank Donato, David Doty, Denise Doyle, Hayden Elliot, Angelina Fiorito, Patricia Foster, Isabel Francolini, Mary Garofalo, Patricia Greist, Ron Hauser, Edmund Hayes, Marie Herrschaft, Ray Holback, Gary Hunter, Agnes Iacona, Judy Ikena, Sondra Kelly-Richmond, Martha Kerr, F. Edmund Lynch, Jack McAdams, Felice McElwaine, John McGowan, Kathleen McGrory, Jeff

Melasecca, Amy Miller, Pat Mitchell, Kayleigh Moran, Alexandra Morin, Ethan Mullin, Paul Nappi, Marie O’Connor, Barbara Ostapowicz, James Palo, Joe Peta, Chan Prathanaluangxay, Craig Riddell, Edward Robbins, Joseph Robbins, Drew Robertson, Mary Rossi, Geraldine Rotteveel, Anne Marie Swans, Meghan Tenaglio, Karen Tipka, Bill Verona, Dana Vink, Eveline Walker.

MASS INTENTIONS FOR 2017 The 2017 Mass Intentions book will open on Monday, January 4, 2016. We will be taking requests on a first come, first served basis. If you have any special dates you would like, we suggest you come in as soon as possible or you may mail in your requests with the stipend. All requests must be made either in person or via mail. No phone requests will be accepted.

BIBLE STUDY The Monday night Bible Study will begin again on Monday, January 4 7PM in the Kolbe Room to study the book of Psalms. The Psalms tell the “inside” story which comes from the deeply personal perspective of one who is seeking God. Come join Jeff Cavins, Tim Gray and Sarah Christmyer and learn how the Psalms can i n f o r m a n d t r a n s f o r m y o u r prayer. Registration is $25.00 and is due by Monday, December 21. Contact the rectory at 610-399-6936 or Lidia Manieri at 610-399-9488 or lidia@mmanieri.com for further information. information

DATES FOR DECEMBER

12/20 – Christmas Party!

All 7th & 8th graders are invited to attend any and all meetings. Bring a friend!

Questions? Call Katie Sullivan at 484-680-5289 or email stmaxedge@gmail.com

Page 9 December 20, 2015

DECEMBER 20, 2015 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Sunday

Mi 5:1-4a; Heb 10:5-10; Lk 1:39-45

Monday Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Lk 1:39-45

Tuesday 1 Sm 1:24-28; Lk 1:46-56

Wednesday Mal 3:1-4, 23-24; Lk 1:57-66

Thursday Morning: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16;

Lk 1:67-79

Friday Vigil: Is 62:1-5; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-

25 or 1:18-25 Night: Is 9:1-6; Ti 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14

Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Ti 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20 Day: Is 52:7-10; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 or 1:1-5,

9-14

Saturday Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Mt 10:17-22

MASS INTENTIONS

WEEK OF DECEMBER 20

MONDAY 8:00 AM Ken Gincley, Jr.

TUESDAY– 8:00 AM Joseph & Elizabeth

Stepsus

WEDNESDAY–8:00 AM Abigail Mallon

THURSDAY **See Christmas Schedule **

FRIDAY **See Christmas Schedule**

SATURDAY—9:00 AM Mozzani & Popolillo

Families

MOM-Heart of the Home

Day of Renewal Registration is now OPEN for our 22nd An-nual Day of Renewal to be held on Febru-ary 13, 2016, 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Sts. Simon and Jude Meehan Center, West Chester. Calling moms of all ages and types: new moms, seasoned moms, grandmothers, step-mothers. Even if you’re not a mom, you are still welcome! Start your Lenten season by replenishing your spirit. Come listen to two amazing, inspirational morning and after-noon speakers Renee Eells and Kathi Clap-ham. See our registration form for all details a t www. mom-hea r to f thehome.org /events.html or call Selma Menezes at 610-455-0708 or email at selmamene-zes@hotmail.com

CHURCH COLLECTION

DECEMBER 13, 2015 $21,773.50

THANK YOU FOR

YOUR GENEROSITY!

Christmas means giving. The Father

gave His Son, and the Son gave His life.

Without giving, there is no Christmas,

and without sacrifice,

there is no true worship.