2023 Christmas Message

Christmas is a sacred time for us, a commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior. It marks the fulfillment of God's promise to send a Redeemer, Immanual, a symbol of hope and salvation for humanity. The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem serves as a reminder of God's boundless love towards us, a love so great that He sent His only Son into the world to bring light to brighten the darkness.

The story of the Nativity teaches us a valuable lesson of humility, faith, and the transformative power of God's grace. In the humble manger in Bethlehem, we find the King of Kings, birth; not in a grand palace but in simplicity. This emphasizes the humility that Jesus embodied throughout His life, calling us to embrace a similar humility in our own journey of faith.

As we exchange gifts, let us remember the greatest gift of all, from God the Father– the gift, that is Jesus Christ, our Lord. His life, teachings, and ultimate sacrifice on the cross are the foundation of our faith. Christmas invites us to reflect on the profound mystery of the Incarnation, where God took on human flesh to dwell among us, bridging the gap between divinity (God) and humanity.

Moreover, Christmas is a season of joy, echoing the angelic proclamation of "good news of great joy which will be to all people, Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace goodwill toward men (Lk2:10,14)" that the shepherds received on that holy night when Christ was born. It is a time for us to rejoice in the hope and salvation brought forth by the birth (Incarnation) of our Lord.

So, at this time of our Christmas celebration, let our hearts be filled with the true meaning of Christmas. May the love, peace, and grace bestowed upon us through the birth of Jesus Christ in our heart and be a source of energy and inspiration to navigate our journey through forever.

May the light of Christ shine brightly in your lives. Merry Christmas to everyone.

Very Rev. Joseph C Joseph Corepiscopa.