From Bishop Greg Homeing

Bishop Greg’s

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2024

For a brief time, each year our thoughts turn from the business and worry of life to a newborn child in a manger. In the silence of Christmas night, we hear the secret hopes of our hearts and rekindle the trust and gaze of our childhood. The past is gone, if only we could fashion our future from the joy of Christmas. This is a season of hope in which we are called to believe in goodness, truth and beauty. Moreover, we are challenged to believe in ourselves and each other.

As we look at the crib we tend to identify with the baby. Curiously we do not associate with Mary or

Joseph, and certainly not with the shepherds or the wise men. The baby Jesus carries our hopes, our fears and our future. He does not threaten us, we are not afraid of him. God comes into the world as a baby so that he can grow with us. We can also grow with God. Jesus shares each of our pains, difficulties and joys. In the baby, God and humankind are one. Jesus comes into the world to show us how to believe in ourselves and each other with confidence.

Take some time to pray. In prayer we are moved by Christmas. Suddenly joy becomes part of us, and we begin to see life with greater optimism and hope. This is the miracle of Christmas. May you be gifted with the spirit of Christmas.

With my prayers and wishes this Christmas and New year.

Bishop Greg Homeming OCD