To you and all your loved ones, I extend my best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year. If you are reading this column for the first time I offer you a cordial welcome and hope that you will return often. Christmas is a good time to begin a year built on the firm foundation of participation in the sacred mysteries of our faith and to become active in the Church. Jesus is our Rock.
Over the years I 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. Yes, God loved us so much that He sent us His beloved Son Jesus Christ. With humble faith we turn again and again to Him who is made known as 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!
The Lord Jesus born in Bethlehem continues to draw near to us through His Church and in His Sacraments. I am grateful to all those who work hard to build up the Body of Christ here at IHM. May the Lord bless and keep you! We are proud to be part of the Church the Divine Savior gave to us almost two thousand years ago. Let us do our best into the new year to know, love, and serve Him.
These are difficult times. Please consider giving a special donation this Christmas in the name of the Christ Child, the little baby Jesus born in Bethlehem. Let us not wrap Him again in rags as He was on the night He was born. Let us wrap Him with our love. He came that the gates of heaven could once more be opened, that you and I might live forever. Let us open the door of our hearts to Him as we prepare for the New Year.
Yours in Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, Fr. Mark G. Mazza, Pastor
P.S. Remember we have a Communal Penance Service with four confessors on Wednesday, December 22 at 7pm. Make sure to receive this precious gift from the Lord. A heart reborn in Christ is the most excellent gift to God and others.