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December 23, 2021“God has entrusted his last, deepest, and most beautiful word to the world, in the Word made flesh. This Word says: I love you world, man and woman. I am here. I am with you. I am your life. I am your time. I weep your tears. I am your joy. Do not be afraid. When you do not know how to go any further, I am with you. I am in your anguish because I suffered it myself. I am in your need and your death, because today I began to live and to die with you. I am your life. I promise you: for you, too, life is waiting. For you, too, the gates will open.”
-- Fr. Karl Rahner, S.J.
Merry Christmas! At this beautiful feast, we celebrate God’s gift to us of his son, Jesus. It is a gift of love; one we are called to bring into the world. Live the true meaning of Christmas throughout the year as you carry His love into your world. Give thanks for the gift we are to each other in this faith community. Our world needs the message of Jesus, his love, his forgiveness, his mercy, his care. Live in the wonder of the gift of Christmas: each of us is loved by God. Try to live in that love always
I pray that Christmas for each of us is a joyful moment to hear the Good News once again, God is with us. May we welcome him again with hope. And may all of you, your family, and your friends have a wonderful and blessed Christmas. You and your loved ones will be remembered in our Christmas Masses.
As a faith community we are always uplifted by our visitors who practice their faith even when away from home. And today especially we are happy that you joined us in worship. In this parish we encourage intentional Discipleship. Our Church needs committed Catholics who will practice their faith not only at Christmas Mass but every Sunday. There will be no Vigil Mass this Saturday on Christmas day, but we will gather to celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family this Sunday at our normal Sunday Mass times 8am and 11am. Join us and be an intentional disciple -- never miss a Sunday Mass. And if you live in the area and do not have a church home, we would love if you would consider coming back to see us in the New Year. Our doors and hearts will always be open to welcome you.
Sharon’s Christmas Prayer
by John Shea
She was five, sure of the facts, and recited them with slow solemnity
convinced every word was revelation. She said,
They were so poor
they had only peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to eat
and they went a long way from home without getting lost.
The lady rode a donkey, the man walked,
and the baby was inside the lady.
They had to stay in a stable with an ox and an ass (hee-hee)
but the Three Rich Men found them because a star lited the roof
Shepherds came and you could pet the sheep but not feed them.
Then the baby was borned.
And do you know who he was?
Her quarter eyes inflated to silver dollars,
The baby was God.
And she jumped in the air whirled round, dove into the sofa
and buried her head under the cushion
which is the only proper response to the Good News of the Incarnation.
On the way home: View this Christmas Day with the eyes of a child. Does your heart truly believe that the baby was God? How is God with you this day? How do you see Emmanuel in your life?
