Dear friends,
On behalf of myself, Fr. Martinez, Fr. David, Fr. Victor, Deacon Rick, and our Parish Staff, I would like to wish you all a Merry and Blessed Christmas!
Today we celebrate the birth of Our Lord. God’s promise to always be amidst His people is fulfilled. Emmanuel – God with us – comes to wipe our tears and give us His peace; for He is the Prince of Peace.
Undoubtedly, this Christmas is different. There are empty chairs in our dining rooms and living rooms as well as void in our hearts because of the Pandemic which either claimed the life of our loved ones or kept them away from gathering together. However, at Christmas, we are reminded that Jesus comes to comfort and to console us. Rather than asking us to make a pilgrimage to Him, He is the One descending and coming to join us to wipe away our tears and to share His own peace as The Prince of Peace.
Therefore:
To our parishioners, I say Merry Christmas and thank you! You and your loved ones are prayed for at this Christmas. May the Prince of Peace bring you all consolation and comfort as He comes to enlighten us with the light of the Holy Spirit.
To our visitors and guests, I say Merry Christmas and thank you for choosing Holy Cross as your home to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior. May you find here a loving family as we share the joy of Christmas.
To those returning to the Church, I say Merry Christmas and welcome back home. You were deeply missed. May our gathering at this Christmas strengthen our desire to revive our relationship with Jesus Christ who comes to show us His endless love.
May the joy of this Christmas fill your hearts and the peace of the Infant of Bethlehem surround you, your loved ones and all your families. Merry Christmas!
Fr. Emery