It is in three days the Bethlehem skies will be filled with bright shining stars reminding us of the first Christmas with Baby Jesus, surrounded by Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and animals. What a scene. As we stop and think back can we imagine in our own minds and hearts what that day meant and now we think what does it mean for us? This is a time to be aware of the true meaning of Christmas and to remember that it is not only buying material things. There are gifts that we can give by opening our hearts to listening to another, being present and enjoying family time.

These past couple of years have been very difficult for each and everyone of us whether it be through the death of a loved one, COVID, loss of employment, loss of home, divorce and the list goes on. The big question, the big gift is how do you reach out to another and say you do not need to walk alone. Maybe your gift is a smile, a hug, sitting in quiet with another, a dinner, a ride and so on. This Christmas Jesus says to each of you, I am here and want to make this a time of great peace, hope, joy and love. Whatever we do, wherever we go, our hearts need to be filled with hope and love. Hope never dies even when we think things are so bad and heavy and I can take no more. Reach into your heart for the Hope that Jesus is offering you especially this Christmas. This Christmas is also a time of Love, love that we receive from Jesus and so many others. Is your heart open to be filled with love and hope? If not, what can you do to find that love and hope to make tomorrow a little better, a little brighter when it seems so bleak or so dark? Whatever you do this Christmas, look to the sky Christmas morning and see those millions of bright shining stars giving us a message from Jesus. Don’t miss it but pass it on.

Prayers and Blessings to you and your family for a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with peace, hope, joy and love.

Sister Pat Fesler, HM

Pastoral Assistant