To you and all your loved ones, I extend my best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.
Admittedly, we have never had a Christmas like this one. Then we remember the Christmas story recorded in Sacred Scripture, that the Lord and Savior, the King of heaven and earth, was born in a stable, placed in a manger, and wrapped in swaddling clothes. What happened then is happening now. Jesus participates in our poverty, vulnerability, and fear to enrich us with His graces. Though poor we are always rich in His love come what may. The Christ is re-born in our hearts, minds, and souls. This cannot be bought.
Over the years we have heard many stories about the true meaning of Christmas. That makes sense since the Christmas Mystery is rich in meaning. It can never be fully told. God’s tremendous love is like that. Love is like that. Yes, God loved us so much that He sent us His beloved Son Jesus Christ. With humble faith, we turn to Him who is made known in The Greatest Story Ever Told. Our Lord Jesus Christ is our first, last, best, and only hope.
Just like the shepherds at the first Christmas we are encouraged by the message of the angels: “Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people: For, this day, is born to you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David (Luke 2,10-11).” Our hearts cannot hold the joy we experience again this Christmas. With the angels, we must sing out as they did: “Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace to men of good will (Luke 2, 14).” Let us all go to Bethlehem and worship Him. Come let us adore Him!
I am grateful to all those who work hard to make our parish a community of Love. I pray that we stand together more and more. This Christmas let us renew our response to the coming of our loving Lord and Savior with greater Faith, Hope, and Love.
Yours in Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, Fr. Mark G. Mazza, Pastor