Christ is born, Alleluia! God dwells among us so that we may be heirs to the kingdom of heaven. The glory of God has appeared and we are enlightened by his presence. God became one of us so that we could become like him. We miss the meaning of Christmas if we don’t see that our gift-giving is connected to the ultimate gift-giving of God: his Son taking on human existence so that we might have a full share in divine life. How blest we are!
As we look upon Jesus, Mary and Joseph we see their example of love. They are the Holy Family. Remember a holy family is not one in which everything is perfect all the time. A holy family is one that in the experience of their humanity discovers the divine. What is holy about your family? What will you do to celebrate that holiness? What will you do to strengthen it? Remember, our earthly home is but a preparation for our heavenly home.
Fr. Russell and I wish you and your families a blessed Christmas. Together with all our parish staff and employees, we pray in eager anticipation of God’s gifts in the new year to come.
