Christmas Message from our Pastor
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December 23, 2016A message from the Pastor…
“The Word became flesh and lived among us.”(Jn 1.14)
Today we celebrate the Nativity of the Lord – Jesus the Christ coming into the world to brighten our lives. Christmas is the renewed invitation not to be hesitant and to let him – whose love is greater than our own hearts and minds can comprehend – be our companion.
God came to us because he wanted to join us on the journey, to listen to our story, and help us realize we are not walking in a circle but moving with God toward his wisdom and understanding. This journey has brought us down different avenues, some dead ends, and through seemingly endless hills but has also brought us through plush forests, rolling meadows, and dazzling landscapes.
The mystery of Christmas gives us comfort that we are not on the journey alone. We know the journey of Joseph and Mary: their poverty and lack of social status, their trek through a hostile land, their rejection at the inn, and, of course, Jesus born in a barn.
Glory to God in the highest! The light that is Jesus has lifted the shroud of gloom and darkness. Christ humbled himself for us. He went from commanding angels to sleeping in straw. Jesus went from holding stars to clutching Mary’s finger. The palm that held the universe took the nail of the soldier. All to meet us on life’s road and journey with us.
“From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.”(Jn 1.16)
On behalf of Fr. Daniele and our parish staff I wish you a most Blessed and Holy Christmas. Merry Christmas!
Fr. Pat Woods
Pastor, St. Jerome's
