The Bishop’s Note
Merry Christmas! This winter feels more like spring, temperature wise. We haven’t experienced the “piercing cold” of the midnight stable in Bethlehem this year. But it isn’t a white Christmas that brings us true joy, nor presents and stocking stuffers, nor family gatherings, nor Hallmark Christmas shows. It is only Our Lord that can bring true joys. One of the Fathers from Mexico sent me a song just before Christmas. It has more of a modern sound to it, but the message is very good. Throughout the song the question was asked again and again, “Donde ubicaste a Jesus?” The sense of the question is “Where have you put Our Lord in your life?” What place does He hold? It is a song that makes one reflect.
It is nice to be surrounded by people who do try to put Our Lord first in their lives. I was reminded of this by the fact that there were so many people who came to help decorate the church this past Monday. The church was bustling with helpers of all ages! Some of the ladies came the Saturday before last to set up the Nativity scene and it sure does look nice, doesn’t it?! I am grateful to all who helped in any way to make this Christmas such a beautiful one—and even more thankful for your edifying example.
The Holy Innocents party is today and it will be nice to see the children again. The church sure is quiet when there is no school, although we have enough to keep us busy around here just with the extra Holy Days, feast days, and celebrations! Fr. McKenna said that we do a lot of fasting around Christmas with the Vigil and the Ember Days—but we more than make up for it during these joyful days of Christmas.
We begin a new year this week. Ask Our Lady of Good Counsel to help you make good resolutions (and to keep them!). All of us have room for improvements, and I am not speaking of just temporal ones, but most importantly the spiritual ones. May we find more time for Our Lord in our lives this year, and may He draw us closer to Himself each and every day. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
– Bishop McGuire