Christmas

The power of Christ in our hearts can transform all our insecurities and fears if we let go and let the "good news of great joy" steep in our hearts. The Good News of Christmas proclaims that the birth of Christ ushered in a new beginning where sin and death no longer have to dominate us. Remember how much God was and is willing to do for you. He loves you and is with you all the way, in the good times and the bad.

Darkness is everywhere. Sometimes it comes from evil actors or outside forces; sometimes it comes from us. But, as baptized Catholic Christians, do not lose sight of the good things born of God’s amazing grace which abound everywhere. His light has been entrusted to you by virtue of your baptism, and you are called to be a light unto the nations.
When you watch the news, pray for every news item, for the victims and the perpetrators of crimes. Give to those in need instead of buying something for yourself. Pray for healing and reconciliation where there are divisions. Strike up a conversation with someone who is struggling. In ways both big and small, you can be a light that overcomes the darkness.

When you became part of the Body of Christ, you became a child of God, and He loves you with the very same love with which He loves Jesus, His only-begotten Son. There’s power in knowing that, and even more power in making that the pole – the stillpoint – around which your life revolves. A parent's love is only a shadow of the love that the Father has for each of us – and we can trust in His love no matter what life throws our way. That's the secret to our lives as Christians: we're dearly loved sons and daughters.

If you are feeling down, left out, lonely; if you are struggling with selfishness, greed, envy; if you struggle with self-worth or are being too critical of yourself: give yourself over to God. Surrender to Him. Then, God can give you a profound gift, one that will set you free to love as He loves and to to be rescued from whatever binds you. Christmas is a time to celebrate what God did when He lowered himself to become a baby in a manger. Christ’s coming in a manger was the plan from the beginning! Yes; God desired that we would be rescued by a baby.

"You are my beloved child; with you I am well pleased." This is the truest, most fundamental thing about us. Claim that identity, let God in, and watch how your life begins to change.

The message of Christmas is that God is with us. Have confidence and trust in that, and when you sense that God has provided you a star to follow, follow it!

It can be difficult to recognize the people around you as being children of God when they live or believe differently than you. When you find yourself caught in difficult conversations or feeling irked, offer the following prayer: "Lord, expand my heart." The more we live our faith, the more He does expand our hearts to accept that we are God's beloved children, with all of our brokenness, and so are the people around us.

As Fr. Dave and Fr. Tony think back on memories of Christmases past, they remind us that God is eager to be with us in everything. Sometimes we forget to ask, but He will always come when we invite him in. He is eager to be with us, and when He's with us, life is a lot less scary and a lot more joyful.