In the fourth week of Advent, which includes Christmas preparation, the Liturgy invites the faithful to meditate on the figure of St. Joseph. Br. CARLOS MOLINA, ofm Basilica of the Annunciation - Nazareth "With a pure and a coherent faith in God's plan, St. Joseph accepts to walk in justice and peace with his eyes turned to our Creator. We Christians, during the journey of our life, [should] follow Saint Joseph's example.” In Jerusalem, repeatedly marked by conflicts, there are many people who, following the example of Mary's spouse, are engaged in building a place where justice and peace can reign! In the school of the Lasallian Brothers, in the heart of the Old City, we have experienced this firsthand. Br. DAOUD KASSABRY, fsc The Brothers of the Christian Schools - Jerusalem "We prepare the students spiritually and we also prepare the school to welcome Jesus, the Savior. Christmas message is a message of hope. We are experiencing conflict and frustration, but the arrival of Christmas brings a message of love and hope. We live in the Holy Land, the land of hope and joy, which we bring to the whole world.” "The children are counting down to Christmas. They learn the true meaning of this great celebration and look to the future with hope.” Dalal Abu Hadid [Female] Student "Christmas begins with inner preparation, that is, we begin to prepare our hearts to receive Christ. With the birth of Christ, peace and love are also born.” After the inner preparation, more tangible activities [are scheduled]! Lourdes Makhlouf [Female] Student "We recently collected donations and we delivered them to orphanages and hospitals. Some of the students visited orphanages and shared the joy of Christmas with the children ". Jamil Batshon Student "First we visit the churches and we devote time to prayer, then we practice charity. The school helps us to get closer to Jesus through the Eucharist [and through] special spiritual meetings for the Christian community. " Especially at this time of the year, we contemplate the purity of Jesus' Putative Father in these children's eyes, which reaffirms our faith in the future. Br. DAOUD KASSABRY, fsc The Brothers of the Christian Schools - Jerusalem "Along with our students and teachers, we sing with the angels: We seek peace, love and reconciliation.” Read More