Let us reflect on the wondrous gift of Jesus!
As we gather on this 4th Sunday of Advent and light the candle of Love, we
are reminded of our deep longing for love in the world. In these times filled with
uncertainty and unrest, we yearn for the assurance of hope, peace, joy, and love.
We desire a life of smooth sailing, free from the turbulent seas that often disrupt
our journey. As Christmas draws near, we are eager to embrace the happiness it
brings and set aside our troubles and worries.
In anticipation of Christmas, our eyes are drawn to the humble manger,
where we behold the infant Jesus, the embodiment of divine love and grace. In
this Child, we encounter the Savior of the world, the Word made flesh, the one
who entered our reality to bring us the gift of salvation. The Incarnation is not
merely a pious story; it is the tangible expression of God’s unfathomable love for
humanity. Through the birth of Jesus, we know that the Savior is not a distant
mystery but a living reality intimately involved in our lives.
The significance of Jesus dwelling among us extends far beyond
commemorating a single day. It is a profound and enduring truth that reshapes
our existence and is to be celebrated every day. Christmas is a moment of
thanksgiving; we express gratitude to God for the precious gift to us of His only
Son, our Redeemer. Jesus did not come to merely dwell among us; He came to
make His home within our hearts, family and community.
We are called to reflect on this wondrous gift of Jesus and recognize that
Christmas is not solely a time for personal celebration but also a call to become
vessels of God’s love, peace, and joy for others. Just as God has bestowed His
most precious gift upon us, we are invited to embody that spirit of selfless giving,
spreading love and kindness to those around us. Our celebration of Christmas
inspires us to be conduits of hope, healing, and reconciliation in a world
hungering for the transformative power of God’s love.Fr. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor
Dear brothers and sisters, the true essence of Christmas lies in our
willingness to extend compassion and grace to all; so let us embrace the call to
be ambassadors of God’s love. As we celebrate the birth of our Lord, may our
hearts be filled with the season’s joy, and may we, in turn, become instruments of
God’s peace and goodwill to all people. In this spirit, I extend to all of you my
heartfelt wishes for a Merry Christmas filled with God’s abundant blessings.
Merry Christmas!