Chrismas Letter 2012

Monday  |  December 24, 2012  |  23:32 PM

Christmas 2012

Dear Friends in Christ,

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.” (Is. 9: 1)   The prophet Isaiah’s great announcement from the first reading at the midnight Mass for Christmas refers to the joy of the Savior’s birth as a “great light” that enlightens those who “dwelt in the land of gloom, those who walked in darkness” (Is. 9:1).     Jesus is that great light that brings joy to the hearts of Christians throughout the world as we gather to celebrate our great feast day.   Pope St. Leo the Great in his famous Christmas Homily from the 5^th century reminds the Christian that “sadness should have no place on the birthday of life.”   Christ comes to restore our dignity and friendship with God.   It is he, our Redeemer and our Savior, who is born on Christmas Day.     This is why Christian homes are filled with the warmth of family, friends, and the excitement of this great feast.  

The lights that glimmer through our streets and the trees in your homes are all brilliantly shining to symbolize the great Light of the World, Jesus Christ, who brings us from the gloom of sin into the brightness of his Love.   It is a light we share with all our brothers and sisters in Christ and even those who have strayed or do not believe for “no one is shut out from this joy; all share the same reason for rejoicing” (Pope Leo the Great).    Christmas is our feast day, the joy every Christian.     Our celebration is not about the “magic” of Christmas, but about the birth of a baby, born to give us life and reveal God’s love.

The light of the new born Son of God has truly brightened our year.   Our parish has experienced so many wonderful blessings this year, with many miracles for our families; the birth of children, the renewal of faith, the conversion of sinners, the graces of the sacraments, the enthusiasm of youth, growth of families, and the compassionate love toward those who are sick and suffering.   We have much to be grateful to God for.   I want to thank all of you for sharing your joys with all of us, for those of you who witness to your faith and for all of you who are so generous with time and gifts to the Church.   Please know that each of you and your families are always remembered in my prayers and in a special way at the Masses of Christmas.    I pray that all of you receive the great gifts that God has in store for all of us during this holy Year of Faith.

My dear friends may you and your loved ones rediscover and experience this true joy of Christmas.   Despite the obstacles and difficulties that may arise in family life, the loss of loved ones, even the struggles of good employment, may the light of Christ be a source of consolation.      May the Infant Child Jesus and his Most Blessed Mother bring you and yours the peace, joy and love of Christmas.   A Blessed Christmas to you all!

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Rodolfo D. Vásquez
Pastor