Merry Christmas

My dear friends in Christ,

As we enter into these last days before Christmas, we may become weary preparing to enter into a marathon of Liturgies. Yet, when all is said and done, our mission is simple—to bring Christ to others. Pope Francis writes in Evangelii Gaudium: “Mary was able to turn a stable into a home for Jesus, with poor swaddling clothes and an abundance of love. She is the handmaid of the Father who sings His praises.” All we ask is that the Lord turns our hearts into “a home for Jesus” with abounding love. May we become like the shepherds living in the fields and keeping watch for those who have strayed or drifted away. Shepherds protect their flock just as we protect those members and volunteers who make up our church family here at Corpus Christi. And as the shepherds lead their flock to safety, we lead our faithful to fulfill our mission. The night watch of the shepherds is dark, foreboding, and full of unknowns. We only have hours to enjoy the Fourth Sunday of Advent. We need not fear. The angel assures us: “Do not be afraid.” The birth of this infant in a lowly manger will bring us great joy. The Savior born for us on Christmas Day gives us hope of eternal life.

On behalf of my weekend assistants from the Society of the Divine Word in Bordentown, Fr. Lennon and Fr. Florencio, Sr. Robert, Deacons Mike and Jim and the entire staff here at Corpus Christi, may you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy, Holy New Year!!

May God bless you all!

Father John