Fr. Simon's Letter - December 25, 2022

In 1963, Andy Williams first sang of this season as "the most wonderful time of the year." It certainly is the most wonderful time of the year. The charm of Christmas is the sheer joy of children as they see the sights, hear the sounds and smell the aromas associated with the season, especially as they await the arrival of Santa Claus. Christmas is incredibly wonderful because it brings us here today and binds us together as disciples of Jesus Christ. As we celebrate the Nativity of the Lord, we are renewed in hope and remain steadfast in our faith. For some, Christmas is little more than a quaint and nostalgic celebration. For us, this day is a sign of God's presence among us. 'God with us' lies at the very core of our humanity.

The Christmas season is a time of wonder when we allow our thoughts to turn toward the bountiful graces that the Lord has bestowed upon us throughout our lives. This season is a most wonderful time of the year when we renew our commitment to living out our faith and setting the desire to make a difference in the lives of others. One of the beauties of this season is that it causes us to stretch beyond ourselves and think of others. Every gift given is born of the desire to express our love, gratitude, and joy for each recipient.

So, as we celebrate the birth of Christ this Christmas, let joy be born in our hearts, not just this Christmas day, but throughout the year, not just this year, but every year. Let us welcome family and friends. Let us welcome strangers and travelers who may join us as we celebrate the Eucharist. Let us inspire this world that can seem so lost in darkness with the light of Christ in the light of our joy. 

If today marks your return to church from a long absence or even a short time away, let this day be your return to the joy of celebrating the Eucharist, not only today but every day forward. Accept the joy of this celebration as a “welcome home.” Let the light of Christ be your guide to grow in faith and love today and every day forward.

It is with humble joy that I give thanks for the honor of serving as your pastor. Thank you for your support, prayers, and all you do for our parish every day of the year.

May God bless us this Christmas, and may all darkness in our lives be removed by the light of Christ. May our hearts be filled with the joy of Christ's birth, and together let us, as missionaries of that joy, spread that gift throughout our community, our city, and beyond.

A blessed and happy Christmas to all!