This Advent was just three weeks instead of the usual four. But there is always enough time to prepare for and reflect on the meaning of Christmas Day. “For unto us is born a Savior, Christ the Lord.” No one prepared for the birth of the Son of God. Very few noticed, and those who did were shepherds, the least important on the social ranking. “He came all so still, as dew in April,” and He was immediately kissed and loved by she whose motherhood is grounded in love for her Son, but whose motherhood extends to all who believe in Him.
I have spoken a number of times in sermons and talks about the importance of Silence in the practice of the Christian faith, above all, in the worship of God in the Mass and in personal prayer. “How silently, how silently, the wondrous Gift is giv’n.” Amidst the wonderful celebrations of Christmas with family and friends with expressions of joy and happiness and just being together, let each of us ponder the meaning of the birth of the Savior of the world in silence: the silence of the Mass and the silence of our hearts and minds in prayer.
I want to thank everyone who has been involved in the preparation for Christmas: from our Flower Ladies, to those who set up the indoor and outdoor crèches, to those who decorated the rectory so beautifully this year—(I invite you all to stop in and see how beautiful the rectory looks!)—to all those involved in the wonderful music program here at St. Mary’s, to those who organized and participated in the Posadas, to the many who work behind the scenes to make Christmas at St. Mary’s such a special time.
As the proud and grateful Pastor of St. Mary’s, I wish you all Buon Natale, Feliz Navidad, Felicem Diem Nativitatis....Merry Christmas!
Father Richard Gennaro Cipolla
