In the midst of one of the most memorable years we have ever seen there is hope. While everything in our world seems to be in turmoil and every thing we are familiar with has been turned upside down, we have reason to be thankful and allow our hearts to be filled with joy.
For today a child is born, Jesus Christ the Lord. On this day God sent his only son into the world, taking on a human form, just like you and I. In a stable in Bethlehem, Christ entered the world as a newborn baby: a child like you and I, dependent on his mother Mary and Joseph for all the necessities of life.
Today despite the problems and turmoil in our lives Christ is here present. Just as he was dependent on Mary and Joseph and God the Father, we too can depend on them. They have been in our lives since the day of our Baptism we need only to open our hearts and minds, placing all of our trials and tribulations of life, into their hands.
Christmas is a time of Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. May the birth of Christ bring new hope into our world. May Christmas be a time of love as we gather with family, even at a distance, sharing gifts and the good times of days past. May we find joy in the simple things of life, sharing a meal, exchanging gifts and being with our loved ones. May the presence of Christ in our lives and in our homes bring us peace. The peace that only Jesus Christ can give.
May you and your families have a very Blessed Christmas. Each of you will be remembered at masses this holiday Season and throughout the new year.