Peace is the essence of the message of Christmas for Christians to bring His peace to every person. Jesus came as the
Prince of Peace, and the word ’Peace’ was closely identified
with both the beginning and end of Christ’s life on earth.

In Bethlehem at His birth the angels sang ’Peace on Earth to
all of Good Will.’ Thirty three years later Jesus rose from the
dead and spoke these words: ’Peace be to you. As the Father
has sent Me, I also send you.’ Here, then, is the sublime commission that has been given to each of us! To take Christ’s
peace into our hearts and our homes, so that it will radiate
from there to every part of the world.

Christ’s peace is special. We know that from Jesus Himself
who told His followers: “My peace I give to you, not as the
world gives do I give to you.” (John 14:27)

How does Jesus give? Totally, completely, fully. He gives
Himself. He gives love, and again from St. John – we know
that God is love: “God so loved the world that He gave His
only Son that whoever believes in Him, should have eternal
life.” (John 3:16)

Christmas, then, is about peace, giving, and love, – God’s
love for us and our love for Him and for each other. Here is
the way Irenaeus expressed that idea: “The Word of God,
Jesus Christ, on account of His great love for humankind, became what we are in order to make us what He is Himself.”
We approach what He is when we observe Christmas in the
Spirit of Self-giving.

This Christmas:
—Give Time: Remember an old
friend, send them a card and let
them know you are praying for
them.
—Give Hope: Live Joyfully.
—Give Peace: Forgive an enemy,
set differences aside.
—Give of Yourself: Perform acts
of kindness.
—Give Love: And Christmas will
be forever.

“Today eternity enters into time, and time, sanctified, is
caught up into eternity.” Thomas Merton

Wishing all of you a Blessed, Holy, Joy-filled Christmas and a Healthy, Safe New Year. Love and Prayers, Fr. Steve