Merry Christmas from Saint Ann Faith Formation!
Christmas Reflection
“Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”
We hope that this year's Advent Reflections from your fellow Saint Ann parishioners have been a foretaste of the good news that we hear today in the Christmas readings! If you weren't signed up to receive this year's reflections, you can click the button below to read through them. We hope they are a source of inspiration for you in living as a disciple of Christ.
Part of the good news we hear in these readings is a description of the Kingdom of God. Isaiah tells us, "[God's] dominion is vast and forever peaceful, from David’s throne, and over his kingdom, which he confirms and sustains by judgment and justice, both now and forever." During Advent, we've worked to help demonstrate a foretaste of this kingdom here on Earth. Our Faith Formation program collected 220 pairs of socks for the men at Riverbend Prison to be part of their Christmas gifts. That's nearly a quarter of the goal for the whole Diocese! Faith Formation participants also provided over a dozen gift bags for at-risk youth, donated Christmas gifts for a family in need, and visited with the members of the Memory Care unit at Mary, Queen of Angels. These initiatives help us to be Christ's hands in the world, allowing us to share a tiny fraction of His mercy with others during this time when we celebrate the best gift of all, infinite love exemplified in a tiny baby.
“A God who became so small could only be mercy and love.” -St. Therese of Lisieux
We seek to do these things not out of our own merit, but with a knowledge that it is Christ who we are radiating to others. This Christmas, start in your homes. Be extra patient with your children who are excessively effervescent with the joy of Christmas. Listen with an open ear and closed mouth to that aunt or uncle who everyone tries to avoid sitting next to at the Christmas table. Be loving towards your family members even when you are tempted to air old grievances, withhold the benefit of the doubt, or be offended at an insensitive comment. When we exhibit these behaviors, we are following the example of the Christ Child and His loving parents. We are modeling ourselves after one of the most perfect examples of divine love in the world.
"From his fullness we have all received,
grace in place of grace,
because while the law was given through Moses,
grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
No one has ever seen God.
The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side,
has revealed him."
grace in place of grace,
because while the law was given through Moses,
grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
No one has ever seen God.
The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side,
has revealed him."
This Christmas, allow others to see God through you, and be open to seeing Him in others. Radiate Christ to your corner of the world and provide a home for Him in your heart.
Merry Christmas!
Are you wanting to be a witness for Christ, but not sure where to start? Sign up below to write a Lenten reflection to be delivered to interested parishioners. You will be assigned a day of readings, and can reflect on any aspect of them that speaks to you and your experience as a Christian disciple. Email mandi@stannnash.org with any questions!
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