Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The story of the Nativity of Jesus we hear in the Gospel of Luke is the basis for much of our cultural and artistic renderings of the birth of Jesus. We long to share in the joy, peace and wonder of that first idyllic Christmas, such as we imagine it was.
However, as we know, things were not perfect on the first Christmas. Mary would probably have preferred to be home to give birth to her child. Joseph would likely have preferred to provide better accommodations for his laboring wife. Instead, Mary gave birth among the animals in a stable and created a makeshift cradle in a feeding trough. Though picturesque, the reality of that scene was anything but idyllic on a practical level.
Just as Christ came into a world that was not perfect, so Christmas comes to us every year, whether we are perfectly prepared for it or not. That is OK. Jesus comes to us in the midst of our imperfect circumstances, bringing joy and new life and hope. The reality of His birth in a stable helps us focus on the joy and wonder of His divine presence in our midst.
God comes to us as we are, where we are, shining the light of His Son, whom He gives to us, to be our Savior and Prince of Peace. We may be distracted or in such darkness and gloom that Christ’s coming startles us, as it did the shepherds. But the Angel gives reassurance: “Do not be afraid! A Savior has been born for you!” Whatever our disposition, a light shines on us at Christmas, a Son is given to us, and we receive him at Mass in His Word and Holy Communion. Let Jesus fill us with wonder, joy and peace.
May the Lord Jesus, the love of God, come down to earth at Christmas, always be in your hearts and your homes, and may Mary, the Mother of God and the Mother of us all, keep you always in her care. Be assured that you will be remembered in my Christmas Masses.
On behalf of Bishop Gettelfinger and the entire Diocesan Staff, I wish you and your loved ones a blessed Christmas and New Year.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Joseph M. Siegel, DD, STL
Bishop of Evansville