MY DEAR PARISHIONERS,
It is Christmastime! Our hearts still focus on the joy of His birth. Our Church is adorned with Christmas lights and decorations. What is most fascinating is that we have a very special crib set up at the sanctuary of our church. I believe many of you and your family members have come to reflect meditatively before the humble figures of Mary, Jesus and Joseph. This beautiful and fascinating Nativity scene evokes a sense of warmth and comfort.
In poverty, humility, simplicity, and in obedience to the will of the Father, Jesus was born. Let us take courage to reflect and contemplate the Christ Child during this season. Let us be thankful for the true gift of Christmas – “Christ is born for us”. The Word became Flesh and made His dwelling among us, (John 1:14). As we are in the spirit of celebrating the Light of Christ, may the Christmas lights motivate us to be a human light ourselves, casting out the darkness of sin and pointing to Jesus, the light of the world!
On the 1st Sunday of Advent, we launched our pastoral priorities for the year 2015 for: St. Joseph’s Church (Jesus: the Heart of the Family) and Risen Christ Church (Word of God: Centre of our Lives). Let us pray and make great efforts to achieve the core needs of our pastoral priorities for this coming year. On January 1, 2015, we celebrate the 48th World Day of Peace with the theme: “No Longer Slaves, but Brothers and Sisters”.
God will ask each one of us: What did you do for your fellow brothers and sisters? So let us make peace with each person whom we have damaged due to pride and sin; let us build solidarity and fraternity through fresh hope and courage to live in the light of freedom.