Celebrating Christmas

Dear Parishioners,

The birth of Jesus drew all creation together. I have a creche that has many characters in it. I like it because I can add new figures each Christmas. Each figurine comes in a box with the story of the character. I have angels, animals, shepherds, kings, soldiers, craftsmen, servants and wealthy people. All standing around the stable where the baby Jesus lays. It is an ever-growing group with different races and backgrounds.

The nativity set reminds me of our parish community. We are a church that has diverse members from all over the world. On any given Sunday we might meet people who migrated to the United States from five continents. We are drawn together to worship the one true God. Everyone of us has a story about how we came to Sacred Heart.

Some of us have never known another parish. This reminds us of the stability of our community. Others have been here for a few days, nonetheless when new people arrive, they feel at home. The new blood reminds us that we are the living, breathing body of Christ. Jesus came to redeem the whole word. That is the good news we celebrate during Advent and Christmas.

Let us give thanks for each other as we anticipate and celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Blessings,
Fr. Mark