The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)

Dear Friends,

Merry Christmas! Today's Gospel from St. John is a very powerful and poetic description of Christmas: Jesus' entrance into our world and His mission here on earth. What strikes me is the theme of light throughout this Gospel. Twice we hear the words that Jesus came to "testify to the light". As we enter deeper into the weeks of winter, I am personally very aware of how much darkness there is throughout the course of the day. And perhaps we each are facing our own personal darknesses in life right now. But Christmas is a Solemnity of light! Of hope! Christ has been born, the Messiah, our Savior, the long awaited King! I can't think of a stronger message of hope than the words: "the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it" (Jn 1:5). God is bigger than all of our problems, our failures, anxieties and fear. Jesus became human to save us from all of our sin and pain. Today as we contemplate the birth of Jesus, the son of God who rests in a manger, let us offer Him all of our darkness and ask for His light. Let us thank Him for all that He's done for us, invite Him into every single area of our lives and kneel in worship before Him.

May God bless you!

Amy Bishop