Christmas 2022 Message from Fr. Paul

Christmas Greetings from Father Paul

There are many ancient texts that are part of the heritage of the Catholic Church, among these is what is known as the Roman Martyrology. This is basically a listing of all the Saints honored by the Church, however, it also contains other historical writings, among them are several formal announcements of Feasts, set in the style of a proclamation.  One of these is the Proclamation of the Birth of Christ.  I share it with you on this Christmas Day 2022.

  "Today, the twenty-fifth day of December, unknown ages from the time when God created the heavens and the earth and then formed man and woman in his own image.
   Several thousand years after the flood, when God made the rainbow shine forth as a sign of the covenant.
   Twenty-one centuries from the time of Abraham and Sarah; thirteen centuries after Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt.
   Eleven hundred years from the time of Ruth and the Judges; one thousand years from the anointing of David as king; in the sixty-fifth week according to the prophecy of Daniel.
   In the one hundred and ninety-fourth Olympiad; the seven hundred and fifty-second year from the foundation of the city of Rome.
   The forty-second year of the reign of Octavian Augustus; the whole world being at peace, Jesus Christ, eternal God and Son of the eternal Father, desiring to sanctify the world by his most merciful coming, being conceived by the Holy Spirit, and nine months having passed since his conception, was born in Bethlehem of Judea of the Virgin Mary.
   Today is the nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh."

Jesus came in time, in the midst of the world as it was, with all its beauty and all its flaws. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Messiah, was born into history and all the messiness of real life, not in majesty but in poverty. He came to redeem humanity and set us free from the darkness of sin by the light of his love. At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus, yes, but more, we celebrate new life and hope even in the midst of the hopelessness rampant in today’s modern world. We celebrate that the Prince of Peace came into a world where peace is still elusive.  Jesus comes, still as Love, born in a world marred by hatred, fear, anxiety and war.  Jesus' love is more powerful than all the forces that might seek to overcome it. Jesus, the Christ, is born into the center of our own stories and is the hope of our destiny.

May you and your loved ones know the power of Christ's love, the brilliance of his light and the hope and promise that is Christmas!    On behalf of – Deacon Randy Bauer, Todd Flowerday, Troy Bauer, Amanda Lutes, and myself - Merry Christmas; Blessings in the New Year 2023; Peace and All Good!   Father Paul