Fr. Matthew’s Christmas Message

“Gloria in excelsis Deo, et in terra pax hominibus…”
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will…” We have not sung this for the past four Sundays of Advent, and will sing it for the first time again for Christmas. You’ve likely noticed that this hymn of praise is a staple at Sunday Mass, and is sung or recited at every Sunday Mass outside of Advent and Lent.
Through this hymn, we carry with us the song of the angels sung in the fields outside Bethlehem that first Christmas night, as they announced the birth of our Saviour to the shepherds (Luke 2:8-15). Each Sunday we proclaim together the wonder of Christ’s birth and the glory of God!
“We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we
glorify you, we give you thanks for your great
glory…”
On this Christmas night or Christmas day, and truly through-out the whole season of Christmas, we turn our attention as a family of faith towards the wonder and glory of God, who has come to be with us. What is the true origins of Christmas? It is the Christ-child, God among us, Jesus, the only Son of God the Father, who was born to join us in the realities of human life in all its complexity. He became one of us and one with us, so He could save us.
The Light of the world has flooded the darkness of night, the darkness of fear, of sin, of sadness, and of shame with a Divine Light that casts away all shadows. Jesus’ Divine Brilliance heals and brings peace, joy, offers clarity, knowledge, and wisdom. In sorrow, we are reminded that we are not alone by turning to adore the One who has come to be with us, and who has promised that he will always be with each one of us—out of a love so great, so pure, and so deep.
Personally and as a family of faith, let us turn to Christ along with the shepherds, the angels, and Mary and Joseph, to praise and adore the Child who has brought us peace and new life.
Merry Christmas and many blessings to you all!

WRITTEN BY: Stephen Sander