A Christmas Message From Fr Ed
Without a doubt sometime this holiday season we have once again viewed the story of the birth of Christ, child born in a manger of a virgin Mother, and attended by Magi, shepherds and hosts on high. But let us take a moment to reflect and be cognizant of the meaning of this story, which while veiled in allegory is a lesson that admonishes hope, joy, and peace among all mankind. A lesson that becomes so poignant as we near the end of the year and the end of the first decade of the 21st century.
Here in the US, to my knowledge we have never known a decade when we as a people were so divided by anger and hate, when even the church itself has become divided along lines — not Catholic versus Protestant – but liberal versus conservative, inclusive versus exclusive, traditional versus progressive.
Let us celebrate the birth of Christ with faith and works in an attempt to make the new year and new decade far more improved than the one we are bidding farewell too, let us resolve to make the new year/decade one dedicated to the word, the words of Christ. Let us resolve to bridge the gaps and overcome the fear that has prevailed among our own people, the fear that leads to anger and hate. Let us look at the story that a small child offered so much hope that he changed the world. And let us metaphorically give birth once again to that child and the joy and hope that his birth brought into the world.
With that thought in mind, we wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and New Year. May the God of peace and love continue to delight to dwell with and bless each and everyone one of you.