Rejoice in Jesus, the Light of the World!
At the time the December edition of our diocesan magazine arrives in your home, our neighborhoods will be decorated with bright lights as we prepare to celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Son of Mary, the Light of the World.
In anticipation of the celebration of our Savior’s birth, we are filled with profound joy in knowing God’s great love for us and that He sent His only Son to save us and to bring us life now and forever. In a special way at this time of year, we find renewed hope in the Gospel proclamation of Jesus Christ as the true Light that has conquered the darkness.
This is a grace-filled time to reflect on the meaning of the birth of Jesus and the abundant gifts He brings to us and our world. In a land torn apart by war and violence, a Savior is born who shows us the way to peace and serenity. In a country that is often divided, a Savior is born who unites us as sisters and brothers and leads us on the path to reconciliation. To individuals who are overwhelmed by past failures and mistakes, a Savior is born who saves and forgives us. To individuals suffering physically and emotionally or worried about those they love who are suffering, a Savior is born who assures us that His healing love will turn all suffering to glory. To individuals who are celebrating the first Christmas without a loved one who died recently, a Savior is born who promises to give those who have gone before us a gift that no one in this world can give: the gift of eternal happiness.
If you live with faith in the power of Jesus over darkness and allow the truths of Christmas to penetrate your life each and every day, you will be filled with great joy. In other words, what we do at Christmas must be sustained. The longing of our hearts to be near the Lord Jesus must remain and grow deeper every day. Most especially, we must be with Him at least weekly for the celebration of Mass. Pray God that our Church’s will continue to welcome the crowds we see on Christmas day.
Look at how we celebrate the unity that is ours in Christ Jesus at this time of year. That also must continue. The time we spend in reminding our family that we love them must never cease, nor should our willingness to forgive one another. The spirit of “giving” must continue in our lives. After Christmas Day the needs of the poor and most vulnerable remain. It is exactly at the moment of greatest need that the sharing of our gifts and resources with others and the spirit of service must reach a new level of generosity.
We are very mindful at this time of year of our many gifts. I express profound thanks for the gift you are to me and our Diocese and for the countless ways you demonstrate your love for the Lord and His Church. I join you in thanking God for His abundant blessings and most especially for the gift of the Holy Eucharist in which God’s love is perfectly revealed in Christ Jesus: the very imprint of the Father; the Son of God, the Son of Mary, the Light of the world who dispelled forever the power of darkness.
May the joy and peace of our Lord Jesus be with you on Christmas Day, in this sacred season, throughout the New Year and always!