“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. And this will be a sign for you: You will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Lk2:10-14)
With this message, the angel of the Lord announced the birth of Jesus. Hence, from then on, every year we have the privilege of celebrating this joyful event of the “Emmanuel – God with us”. Thanks to His human birth, we have come to experience God’s love, by being healed physically and spiritually, being transformed, and being made whole. I wish and pray that the celebration of Christmas today may fill all the believers with joy and those who are struggling in faith with the light and life of Jesus Christ.
I would like to take a moment, at this juncture, to thank all those who have been faithfully supporting the Parish in one way or other: whether through your sacrifice of treasure or time or talent. Thanks very much for all that you do for the benefit of our Parish.
It is reasonable that we celebrate this time of joy with food and exchange of gifts. Nevertheless, we should not miss the meaning of Christmas. Celebration of Christmas reminds us that God has come to dwell in our midst to live and save us. Hence, Christmas might be meaningless if we do not recall this truth. Jesus Christ is born not in a palace, but in an earthly and smelling stable, because He has come to associate Himself with all of us, whether rich or poor, with unconditional love for each of us and particularly with those who are struggling with crisis in life.
Finally, with deep sentiments of gratitude to God, I wish you all my prayerful best wishes for a holy and blessed Christmas. I wish that the celebration of Christ’s birth may fill you with peace and joy now and through the whole New-year 2023.
With God’s blessings,
Fr. Arul Joseph V.