Merry CHRISTmas

Merry Christmas to one and all.

2008 has been a year of blessings. New lives have been welcomed into the world. Tragedy revealed abundant generosity and love previously unknown. 50 years of holy matrimony was celebrated while a new marriage was begun. Blessings came in the form of ample opportunities to serve our fellow brothers and sisters, sometimes receiving blessings where none were thought to be. Reflecting back over the year, if we look and listen hard enough, many more blessings will surely become obvious.

So long ago, shepherds looked in fear to the night sky, suddenly brightened to daylight by a multitude of angels singing loud Hosanas. They listened as the angel of the Lord told them of the greatest miracle of the ages. They ran through the streets to the far side of a sleeping town to see for themselves the babe lying in a manger. And there, they were the first to see the Holiest and most wonderful of blessings God has ever given His children, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Some time later, wise men from the East also looked to the heavens, studying a star. They were compelled to follow that star until they reached what lay below. Even they knew something special was about to be revealed to them. Their search ended at the doorstep of the King of Kings.

Others even later looked and listened, afraid of what they saw and heard, denying the truth. Yet their actions became a blessing as God’s plan unfolded then and continues to unfold now.

People over the centuries have looked and listened and found Him. Some still look and listen, not knowing what it is they seek or expect to hear, not finding anything. Our hope for you in 2009 and beyond is that you look and listen and see and hear the goodness and love of our Holy Father.

Have a joyous CHRISTmas and a properous New Year!