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My sisters and brothers in Christ,
What a crazy year! It is so easy to lament, thinking, “what a horrible year, so full of awful events like we’ve never seen before.” Let us pause for a moment, however, and step back, try to see the big picture. The world has seen horrific tragedies in history far worse than what we are currently living through, yet through it all God has always walked with his faithful people.FELIZ NAVIDAD! MERRY CHRISTMAS!
In times like these specifically, we are reminded that the world cannot offer us peace of heart, mind, soul, or body. True peace comes only through giving all of our worries and cares to God, who has conquered and reigns over and above the hardships of this world.
It is why he came, being born of the Virgin Mary, in the city of David, a tiny baby to whom the multitude of angels sing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men.” The Prince of Peace does not give us peace by taking away all hardships, as we all know. Rather, by his coming, he grants us power to endure the trials of this life and even find joy through them!
Here among this parish family of St. Christopher, we have this inner peace and joy among us. I can see it in you, who are so giving and so loving, and I know I am blessed to be with you. It is because we know that our loving service and sacrifice is through Jesus, with him and in him. So long as we remain in him, his peace will overcome every fear we face. And so, with praise and thanksgiving, let us rejoice in the glorious miracle of God-become-man, for he is our only reason for hope.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be will you all at Christmas and in the New Year!
Fr. Edson Elizarrarás
“Don’t Forget To Smile”