Merry Christmas

After a season of Advent filled with anticipation, the long-awaited day has arrived. Our LORD is born, and the world rejoices! Amid the turmoil and strife that seem ever-present in our world, the birth of Jesus shines as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the countless reasons we have to be thankful and full of hope.

When the angels went away from them to heaven,

the shepherds said to one another, 

“Let us go, then, to Bethlehem

to see this thing that has taken place, 

which the Lord has made known to us.”

So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, 

and the infant lying in the manger.

When they saw this,

they made known the message

that had been told them about this child.

All who heard it were amazed

by what had been told them by the shepherds.

And Mary kept all these things,

reflecting on them in her heart.

Then the shepherds returned,

glorifying and praising God 

for all they had heard and seen, 

just as it had been told to them.

-- Luke 2:15-20

The world often treats Christmas as starting the day after Thanksgiving and ending abruptly on December 26. In truth, the Christmas season begins today and continues until the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6. So let the celebrations continue as we honor the true “reason for the season” in all its glory.

However you choose to mark this sacred time, I wish you a joyous and peaceful holiday season, filled with the warmth of family, the company of friends, and the blessings of good cheer.

Merry Christmas!