December 24-25, 2011
Christmas
Isaiah 9:1-6 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-14
Do not be afraid…
When words fail, when promises no longer matter, when troubles abound, when questions remain unanswered, when doubt seizes the day, when the future is unknowable, when our hearts are heavy and our hopes are dim, a hand to hold can be all the difference between life and death.
I proclaim to you good news of great joy…
In the midst of a wounded economy, turbulent politics, divisive social issues, struggling relationships and broken dreams we gather this weekend not so much to hear a story or perform religious rituals but to see if someone will hold our hand. We know all too well the troubles besetting us, our state, nation and world cannot be magically repaired. We are willing to do our part, make the tough choices, face the painful truths, shoulder the hard work and transform today’s desperations into fresh dawns of possibility. We just don’t want to do it alone.
A savior has been born for you…
Tossed and turned by life, we have faced this past year with the best we could muster. Bills were paid, birthdays celebrated, pleasantries exchanged, PTA meetings attended and every sport and extracurricular event properly supported. We have done what was asked, have provided what was needed, have been the dutiful husband – the loving wife –the watchful parent…yet we can’t shake the nagging fear that we have not done enough, that we might drop the ball, that we might fail. If only we had someone by our side, someone we could trust, with whom we would not need to wear our masks.
You will find an infant, wrapped in swaddling clothes…
Weary and depleted from our seasonal preparations, leery and distrustful of false hopes and quick fixes that don’t, we gather within this crowded assembly…and ever-so-slowly, God entwines his fingers within our tightly clenched lives. ‘Come to me, you who are weary, and I will refresh you. Come to me, you who are hungry, and I will give you food. Come to me, you who are thirsty and I will give you drink. Come to me, you who are carrying a cross…and I will show you how.’
Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host praising God…
No sweeping promises, magical cures or fantastical claims; within these Christmas hours God gently, quietly, draws close to us, reaches out and holds our hand. Not a handshake, nor a slap on the back…he takes our hand and doesn’t let go. ‘Do not be afraid…I am with you…in your joy and grief, in your hopes and frustrations, in your successes and failures. I AM with you always, forever, no matter what.’
Peace to those on whom his favor rests…
This is why you came here today, to remember the promise of Christmas: God is with you! You have a hand to hold. You have a life to live and challenges to face. Do not be afraid…just squeeze that hand a little tighter and live your life the best you can.
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WELCOME!!!! Thank you for coming and sharing our Corpus Christi celebration of Christmas. As you settle in, please make sure you review the English Mass parts that have changed…and don’t get flustered if you flub it a few times! If you are here for our 9pm-It’s Midnight in New York Mass, please consider yourself invited downstairs following Mass for the special champagne/pot-luck appetizer reception. Also, if you forgot that this is the LAST full weekend of the month and our food collection for the South County Outreach Food Bank, you are welcome to come back anytime before Tuesday and drop your non-perishable food items off by the kitchen door. Next Sunday’s 12noon Mass will be our special opportunity to ACKNOWLEDGE, BLESS AND THANK Linda Palomino (along with her daughter Carina) for all their love and effort on behalf of our HAVEN and JAMs Youth Ministry efforts….a special reception will follow the Mass and all are invited. As you gather with your family and friends on this Christmas Weekend or throughout this festive week, remember….you have a hand to hold, you are not alone, be not afraid….you are loved! Merry Christmas!
