The Work of Christmas
When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among others,
To make music in the heart.
-Howard Thurman
Monday, Jan. 8, marks the official end of the Christmas season. But we are invited to continue building on that Christmas presence throughout the year. Howard Thurman’s poem challenges us to do what we profess to be. As Christians, the Feast of the Epiphany is a call to take the Christmas message to the whole world. As the Magi took the experience of meeting God in the flesh back to their home countries, we are also challenged to bring Christ to our schools, marketplaces, workplaces, and even on vacation. The work of Christmas, begun by Christ, continues with us every day.
I want to thank everyone who made our Advent and Christmas celebrations so meaningful, especially those who worked behind the scenes to organize, clean, decorate, and keep the facility looking beautiful. To those who participated in our liturgical experiences through their service, either as liturgical ministers, choir members, musicians, or screen operators, thank you for helping us praise God in worship. Thank you also to those who helped the less fortunate through our Giving Tree and Adopt-A-Family programs, St. Vincent de Paul donations, and those who assisted in organizing and distributing the donated items. To the various groups that organized our social events this season, such as the Christmas caroling, Breakfast with St. Nicholas, the New Year’s Eve Party, and the Gathering Space photo booth, thank you for helping us get into the spirit of the season. Thank you to all who dropped off cookies, baked goods, and cards for the staff and myself. Our waistlines, doctors, and dentists thank you profusely. Finally, thank you to all who visited our parish and participated in these events. On behalf of the parish staff, thank you and Merry Christmas.
Msgr. John
