"The angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the City of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests'". (Luke 2:10-14) (From the Gospel Reading for the Mass at Midnight on Christmas)

Christmas is a time for us as the Church to raise our voices in praise and thanksgiving for the gift of Jesus Christ, the Word of God made flesh and living among us in the Incarnation. Jesus is the intimate union between God and humanity. He is Emmanuel: God With Us. He is the fulfillment of the desires of every human heart. In Him, salvation is offered and in Him hope is renewed. The words of the angel given to Mary and Joseph, to the shepherds and the Magi, are offered to us in our own day and time: "Do not be afraid. God is with you!" How can we not rejoice?

Christmas is a time to rejoice. It is also a time to be challenged, for the saving presence of Christ becomes evident to the world through us. It was through the hope, faith and love of Mary and Joseph, and others who were open to this good news that it was made real to a world longing for joy and truth.

It is the same for us today as the Body of Christ, the Church. Christ becomes evident to the world through our hope and lives as witnesses. As we welcome the Lord Jesus this Christmas, may we not be afraid to live our faith, to share our joy and to be a people of hope.

All are welcome to join us at the Church of the Madalene for Christmas, especially Catholics who, for what ever reason, have been away from the Church, and others who have no church home. You are invited to welcome Christ at Christmas with us. Our Mass schedule for the holiday weekend is:

Saturday, December 24

Children's Christmas Program: 5:15pm
Vigil Mass: 6:00pm
Choir Program: 9:15pm
Mass at Night: 10:00pm

Sunday, December 25

Mass for the Day: 8:00 and 10:00am

On the behalf of myself, the staff and volunteers at the Church of the Madalene, I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year!



Fr. Bryan