Christmas Message

 In Pastor's Notes, Pastor's Notes-Fr. Ritche

 

Welcome to all who are visiting with us. Thank you for joining us to celebrate Christmas. We are very happy you are here.

In last week’s Gospel we heard the annunciation of the birth of Jesus to St. Joseph. In this beautiful story, Joseph is perplexed because he learns that Mary, his betrothed, is pregnant. Upon learning of Mary’s pregnancy, he thinks about divorcing her quietly, so she is not exposed to shame. Then in a dream, an angel appeared to him to give him the needed courage to take Mary into his home as his wife.

What I find interesting about Matthew’s Gospel narrative are the two names attributed to the Son of God. From the Angel’s urging, the Child will be called “Jesus” as he was going to save His people from their sins. Then, in citing the prophesy of Isaiah, Joseph was to name Him Emmanuel meaning “God is with us.” The message of that dream gave Joseph the courage to say YES. Joseph knew from that very moment there was nothing to fear because God was with him – the Son of God who is also the savior of the world!

Emmanuel – God with us – that is what we celebrate today. On this Christmas day, we are reminded of our God who came, as St. John the Evangelist says, “to make His dwelling among us.” God is no longer seen as one who is distant, but One who is with us. He lives with us! He is here! This is the good news of Christmas. This is worth celebrating!

Christmas comes to us every year to assure us that God remains faithful to His promise, “I am with you.” And this promise is manifested in each one of us. God makes His dwelling in us; we are channels of God’s presence. This Christmas I believe it is worth asking ourselves how can we bring Christ to everyone we encounter. How can we bring His forgiveness, His Mercy, His Love not just today, but every day.

Christmas is not just an event that took place in Bethlehem more than two thousand years ago. Christ is born in our hearts every day. Let us be like Mary and Joseph, open to the many ways God wants to work in and through each one of us to be His Emmanuel in this world.

On behalf of Fr. John, Mrs. Douthit, and the rest of the parish and school staff, I wish all of you a Merry and Blessed Christmas!

Blessings,

Fr. Ritche

Recent Posts

Start typing and press Enter to search