A Christmas Message from the Archbishop

(En Espanol)

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Christmas Greetings! May the celebration of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, the Word made Flesh, flood your hearts and minds with an assurance of peace, joy and hope that the presence of God alone can provide.

The year 2020, marked by the effects of a pandemic, social unrest, hurricanes, wildfires, a dramatic increase in violence and ever-growing political polarization, has been a rather challenging year, to say the least. Many have lost loved ones, homes, businesses and their livelihoods. Many have displayed heroic virtue in health care, emergency response, charitable outreach, education and unsung service. No one is looking forward to a repeat of this year in 2021. Still, amid all the chaos, hardship and uncertainty, we have cause to celebrate the Nativity of the Lord.

Throughout the course of salvation history—despite all the wars, plagues, intrigue, disasters and scandals—the saving grace of divine presence has remained with humanity. Since that very first Christmas of Jesus being born into poverty during a very tumultuous time of history, the Christian faith has not only endured but prospered in the face of difficulty, aggression and even persecution.

The birth of our Savior points to something beyond the mere experiences of this life. From the crib to the cross, Jesus Christ laid out for us the path to salvation. As St. Paul reminds us, there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God. There is nothing about 2020 that can separate us from God’s unconditional love, mercy, peace and saving grace. Jesus Christ, our Hope and Salvation, offers this assurance to us. To encounter Him, let us imitate the humility of the magi and the courage of the shepherds to seek and worship the Lord.

May we find it within and among ourselves to be renewed in the spirit of Christmas joy made available to us by God becoming one like us in all things but sin. Let us make the most of every opportunity to encounter Him in Word, Sacrament and Service. He is Emmanuel, God With Us. Come, let us adore Him.

Christmas Blessings!

Archbishop Charles C. Thompson