I would like to take a moment to wish you a very Merry Christmas. During this season, we are celebrating Hope, Peace, Love and Joy; I pray that all four of these would fill your life in every way this Christmas and beyond. I am grateful to God. This Christmas, as in all previous years, we celebrate “Immanuel” (God with us). Without Christ’s presence among us we would be lost. Through God’s presence working within us we are being healed, transformed, reconciled, and made whole. I pray you have a fantastic Christmas.
To our parish staff and Church volunteers, I would like to take a moment to say thank you. I am so grateful for how you have served so sacrificially this past year. Whether working in the office; leading groups; shepherding children; serving coffee; setting up for worship; playing music; assigning parishioners to our liturgical functions; or any one of the countless other (usually unseen) tasks that keep our community running, I am grateful. Thank you so much for all you do! Have a very merry Christmas.
Some folks miss the point of Christmas. Decorations are displayed. Parties are attended. Gifts are bought and exchanged, but somehow it never dawns on them that it is someone’s birthday and that someone is Jesus Christ.
Matthew 1:21 says, “She shall bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins.” Have you missed Christmas because you’ve missed Jesus Christ? He is God’s gift to you. Jesus Christ the Savior came to forgive us and cleanse us of all our sins.
May you all have a Blessed Christmas and Grace-filled New Year.
Fr Oscar Paraiso
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