Dear members of St. Clare's Church, The Nativity of the Lord is here with us again as we begin the celebration of Christmas on Tuesday of this week. I wish you all a happy and holy Christmas!
Each year we faithfully celebrate at Christmas the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Christmas comes every year, even during moments of great difficulty. We only need to remember those who celebrate Christmas with a loved one at war, during times of illness, and when grieving the loss of a loved one. We also think of those who celebrate Christmas without a home or country, those who are alone, those who are victims of natural disasters, or those on the margins of society. Just as Christmas may occur during times of distress, so too does it offer us each year a message of joy, healing, and hope. This hope is rooted not in human events of the day, but in the eternal message of salvation. To be joyful even amid so many troubling events does not diminish our solidarity with those who suffer, but rather speaks to the bright Christmas promise of the Angels, "Do not be afraid...for a saviour has been born for us who is Christ the Lord." Be joyful because God has come down to earth to encounter each one of us and to embrace us as His beloved disciples. I would like to thank you all for your commitment to our parish throughout this year. The giving of your time, talent and treasure to the Lord continues to bear fruit for the kingdom of God. I would also like to thank all the Volunteers of our parish and all who help to make our Christmas celebration truly wonderful.