Fr. Simon's Letter - December 24, 2023

The Christmas story will not change. It is a story rich in human sweetness and delicacy because it has a child at its center. We were all children once, and childhood memories touch our tenderness and allow us to go back in time and relive the excitement of Christmas. 

However, as we celebrate this Christmas, we cannot ignore what is happening in our world, especially in the land of Christ’s birth. This Christmas, the world is a real mess. War, the refugee crisis, climate change, economic woes, and political turmoil, and so on it all goes. But in one way or another the world has always been a mess – it certainly was when Jesus was born.

In Palestine at the time there were dramas of every kind, not the least of which was the Roman occupation. Into that mess Jesus was born. The mess is symbolized in the Christmas story by the circumstances of the birth: no room at the inn, the farm animals, and the feeding trough into which the newborn child is placed. When the child is born, God purposefully enters into the human mess – to transfigure it. If all we see is the mess, then we miss the magnificence of God with us.

The Christmas message is simple yet profound. The first message is “fear not.” Mary was assured by the angel, “Fear not, for you have found favor with God.” Joseph was told, “Fear not to take Mary your wife into your home.” The shepherds startled by the appearance of an angel were put at ease with the words “fear not.”

Secondly, it is a message of great joy. The angel announced, “I bring you good news of great joy for all people. For today a savior has been born for you.” No matter who you are, God has come to save all.

It is a message of “peace and goodwill” as a gift from God; and this is to be our gift to one another.

Finally, it is a message that is to be shared. The shepherds went away rejoicing and shared what they had heard and seen. All of us who share in the joy of our Savior’s birth must share the message with everyone we meet.

To all who gather in the basilica to celebrate the wonder of Christmas and rejoice in God’s greatest gift, Jesus – Welcome! Whether you are a parishioner who comes to Mass each Sunday, a parishioner who comes once in a while, or a visitor coming to be with family and friends, you are all most welcome for this celebration of the birth of our Savior.

May this Christmas be a time of peace for all, may the glory of God illumine your path as the new year unfolds and may this festive season be a time of joy and gratitude for you and your family.

Blessings!