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December 22, 2023Merry Christmas from St. Michael’s“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who lived in a land of gloom a light has shone. For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Herod Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9
Welcome to St. Michael’s Catholic Church to all of our parishioners and visitors as we celebrate the great Feast of Christmas! We call The Gospel “the Good News”, and the good news that God sent His Son to become one of us, in order to save us from our sins, is the best possible news. He is Emmanuel…which means “God is with us”. Therefore, as the angels said to the shepherds: “Do not be afraid.” If God is truly with us, we have nothing to fear.
The Jewish people began to speak of a coming Messiah as early as the 2nd century BC, though they believed that he would be an earthly king who would unite Israel and establish their universal dominance. They did not understand at that time that the coming Messiah would be the God-man, the King of Heaven and Earth, the Savior of all people of all times and places, who would die for the sins of the world and open the gates of heaven!
The Good News of Christmas…the Good News of Christianity, is that Jesus has come to us. We can know Him, love Him, read His Word, receive His body and blood in the Eucharist, become holy through His grace and forgiveness, and serve Him until we die. People have been talking about Him and waiting for Him for thousands of years! Who are we that we would be so blessed as to have been born and to have lived in the Messianic Age?
Christmas is a time of great peace and joy because of Jesus. I am so happy that you have come to be present with us at Christmas Mass!
As the angel said to the shepherds: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good tidings of great joy. For unto us is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord!”
Merry Christmas!
Fr. Brett Brannen
Pastor
