Christmas – 2016

“And suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men (St. Luke, 2. 13 & 14).

To my brothers and sisters in Christ at St. James, Merry Christmas!

We all recognize the verse found above from St. Luke’s Gospel. This was the witness of those shepherds who were the first to see the Christ Child. But we must always remember the reaction of these simple men to this wondrous appearing of the heavenly host. First, they sought out this Child; then, having found him, they went forth praising God for the extraordinary miracle that they had seen, and telling all who would hear (St. Luke 2. 15-20).

The great message of Christmas is about the Birth of the Christ who will redeem us from sin. Indeed, in spite of whatever the secular world may say, THIS is the TRUE meaning of Christmas! This is why the heavenly host rejoiced and praised God. This is why the shepherds first sought out the Christ Child, and then told everyone what they had found. This is why we must likewise share the great message of Salvation that is brought about by the Miracle of God’s Holy Incarnation.

So I am hopeful that during this Christmas Season, you will be able to join with family and loved-ones in fellowship and love. I pray that you will meet each other in comfort and joy. But most of all, I pray that you will come together in the fellowship and love of God; I pray that you will come together in the TRUE spirit of Christmas; and I pray that you will add your voice to the heavenly host in praising God; joining with those shepherds who went forth telling all who would listen about the Miracle of the Incarnation of Our Lord.

Yours in Christ,

Daniel J. Jennings+