“And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us …”
My Dear Friends,
Welcome Home! Christmas is upon us once again!
The trees get decorated, gifts are purchased and exchanged, various foods are prepared, businesses have their Christmas (or Holiday) parties, cards are sent, students return home from college, families get together from far and wide to share good times, etc., etc., etc..
Part of the routine for many is attendance at Mass. By the way, did you ever take the time to examine the last part of the word, Christmas? The word itself comes from the Old English for Christ’s Mass.
Usually, the earliest possible Masses on Christmas Eve (here at the Parish of Saint Michael the Archangel, it’s the 4p) are best attended. They are filled with children and maybe with a re-enactment of the Christmas story in some fashion.
Even if its current chosen date was a Christianizing of the pagan winter solstice, as some contend, Christ was born at a particular point in time. That is what we celebrate. God became man and was born.
Christmas is about Christ. Although things can get rather complicated and convoluted for some, Christmas is still about Christ.
“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 Messiah and Lord” (Lk 2:10-11).
God chose to become a man for us. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (Jn 1:14). Timelessness entered into time. The almighty and all-powerful God became a helpless, vulnerable infant. The creator of all life became subject to suffering and death. The infinite majesty of God became finite. God walked this very earth. He could be seen, felt, and touched.
When you peer into the manger this Christmas, realize that before you is a glimpse of the tremendous love that God has for you and for me, as evidenced through the Incarnation of His only-begotten Son.
On behalf of myself, the Sisters, and Staff that serve our Parish and School, we wish you and your families a happy, holy Christmas season and a blessed New Year! May the love of God which took human form in the person of Jesus be honored and revered in every human person that we meet.
I thank God that you have made the Parish of Saint Michael the Archangel your spiritual home!
Merry Christmas! May Saint Michael the Archangel defend, guide, protect, and intercede for us always!
~ Fr. Larry Polansky, Pastor
P.S. … Be an ambassador for Christ and wish people a Merry Christmas!