Merry Christmas and Happy Feast of the Holy Family! Last year in my column for Christmas and the Feast of the Holy Family, I spoke about a different Christmas. In it I mentioned how the pandemic had changed the ‘normal’ way we would have traditionally celebrated. I find it interesting that this year we are experiencing the same differences.
Christmas and the Christmas Season bring with it expectations of how we think things should go. We take these expectations and place value on them, so all of a sudden, when the expectations are not met, the value of Christmas is somehow diminished. The important thing for us to remember is that nothing can diminish the real meaning and value of Christmas, except our own expectations and attitudes.
The alternative to our expectations, is to consider what are God’s expectations? The Holy Family is a perfect example for us. Mary didn’t expect to become pregnant as a single woman, just as Joseph didn’t expect to find his wife with child. Once Mary and Joseph surrendered their expectations, God’s plan was revealed. The greatness of God’s plan can only be revealed to us when we surrender and let God’s will be done in our lives. Mary, Joseph and Jesus model this as the Holy Family.
Consider this different Christmas… again… as an opportunity for us to surrender our stress, anxiety, expectations and open ourselves up to the plan of God. Christmas is about welcoming a Savior into our world and lives. This year more than ever, we can see why we need our Savior to be born for us. No matter what happens for you this Christmas, realize in some way it could be exactly what could reveal God’s plan.
Lastly, St. Mary’s is a place to discover God’s plan at work in your life. You are always welcome to pray with us, journey with us and find the hope of a Savior who came to save us. No matter what your family looks like, you are a part of ours, and that makes us Holy as we journey together with Jesus.
Next weekend we will be distributing home blessing packets. All are welcome to wear crowns, dress like princes/princesses, or Kings and Queens to mass as we celebrate Epiphany.
Keep Smiling
Fr. Bryan