The Joy and Significance of Christmas

by Fr. John Granato  |  12/22/2024  |  Words from Fr. John

My Dear Friends,

Christmas is in three days!! What a joyous time to be a Christian and a Catholic. Christmas has a way of bringing our brothers and sisters back to Mass, if only for a day before we see them again at Easter (and maybe Ash Wednesday). This is so important because the name of Christmas comes from Christ Mass; the Mass of Christ. We celebrate and commemorate the birth of the Savior, the most important birthday ever recorded in history. It is so important that since the Savior’s birth we in this world count the years from his birth, regardless of religious affiliation.

In a little over a week, we begin 2025 AD (anno domini – the year of the Lord). Some will say we should use 2025 CE (common era) instead of 2025 AD. For a Christian that still works even though it feels like we have succumbed to an anti-religious sentiment. It works because 2025 CE could also be written as Christian era. However you use these letters, though, does not take away from the fact that Jesus Christ was born into this world, and this world has never been the same.

What his birth means is that God himself was born into this world, entered into his creation, and has taken upon himself human flesh, uniting his divinity with humanity. Jesus is not only showing us the face of the Father but also the way back to the Father, who loves each and every one of us because he has created us in his image and likeness. Sadly, even though Jesus has entered into the world and has suffered, died and rose from the dead for us, we still live in a world that continually sees hatred, all forms of abuse, and violence in many forms as well.

Let us rejoice for the Christ child has been born and has brought us an end to darkness and the ability to live in the light, but we must choose to be a people of joy and peace and seek to share the light of Christ with each and every person that we encounter. Dispel the darkness of sin and hatred and let us pray that the Prince of peace and the King of Kings will reign in our hearts and in our country.

God bless and have a Merry Christmas season.