Merry Christmas!
There is an image on our Tabernacle that has the phrase: “Et Verbum Caro Factum Est”. Translated this phrase means “and the Word became flesh”. This is what we celebrate on Christmas that our God descended from Heaven and took on our very flesh and bone. He became like us in all things but sin. He ate and slept. He grew and learned. He got angry and joyful. He laughed and wept. He became Emmanuel, God with us. What a grand cause for a spectacular celebration. We echo the hymn of the Angels as they sing Glory to God in the Highest.
It is interesting to note the place of this phrase in our Church on the Tabernacle door where we reserve the Blessed Sacrament. Our God knows what it is to be human. But our God desires even more to know us, as a community of the Church and as individuals that make up the Church. Our God dwelt among us but now he desires to dwell within us, in our hearts and minds, our families and communities, our schools and businesses. He desires Communion with us. So we not only celebrate an historical event from the past, we celebrate God’s continued presence with us especially in the Eucharist. He promised at the end of Matthew’s Gospel that he would be with us until the end of the age. Let us remember and celebrate that promise and seek to recognize that he is still Emmanuel, God with us. Glory to God in the Highest!
On behalf of all here at the Parish we wish a Blessed and Merry Christmas Season to you and your families.
Fr. John