Dear Parishioners,
Christmas is upon us once again!
The trees get decorated, gifts
are purchased and exchanged, various foods are prepared, businesses have their
Christmas (or holiday) parties, cards
are sent, students return home from
college, families get together from far and wide to share good times, etc. etc.
Part of the routine for many is
attendance at Mass. By the
way, did you ever take time to examine the last part of the word Christmas? The word itself comes from the Old English
for Christ’s
Mass.
Usually the earliest possible
Masses on Christmas Eve (here the 4 PM and 4:15 PM) are the best attended. They are filled with children, maybe with a
re-enactment of the Christmas story in some fashion.
Even if its current chosen date
was a Christianizing of the pagan winter
solstice, as some contend, Christ was
born at a particular point in time.
That is what we celebrate.
Christmas is about Christ. Although things can get rather complicated
and convoluted for some, Christmas is still about Christ.
Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim
to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For
today in the city of David a Savior has been born for you who is Messiah and
Lord. (Luke 2: 10-11)
God chose to become a man for
us. “The Word became flesh
and dwelt among us.” (Jn. 1:14) Timelessness entered into
time. The almighty and all-powerful God became a helpless,
vulnerable infant. The creator of all life became subject to
suffering and death. The infinite majesty of God became
finite. God walked this very earth. He could be seen,
felt and touched.
When you peer into the manger
this Christmas, realize that before you is a glimpse of the tremendous love that
God has for you and me, as evidenced through the Incarnation of His
only-begotten Son.
On behalf of the priests, deacon,
sisters and staff that serve our parish, we wish you and your families a happy,
holy Christmas and a blessed New Year! May the love of God which
took human form in the person of Jesus be honored and revered in every
human person that we meet.
I thank God that you have made St. Joseph’s your spiritual home!
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
Fr. Ed Namiotka
Pastor
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