If you stop to think about it, it is astounding that the simple, unassuming birth of a peasant baby boy more than two thousand years ago in the Middle East can today cause traffic jams every December in places like New York City, Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro.

 

The night Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, a small group of poor shepherds were quietly tending their flocks of sheep in a nearby field, looking up at the stars.  Nothing seemed any different from a thousand other nights. But what was about to happen would transform not only their lives but billions of other lives as well.  The world would never be the same again.

 

                                                                                                Rick Warren

                                                                                                The Purpose of Christmas

 

 

Dear Community of Saint Joseph’s;

 

I always think of the birth of Jesus as the beginning of a story.

 

Not the story of God’s relationship with humankind – that story began long before the birth of Christ.  Rather, the beginning of the story of God living with us.  The voice of God, the living presence of God and the direct interpretation of the dream God has for us, begins with the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.

 

The life and teachings of Jesus instructs us in how to live and what to hope for and how great God’s love is for us.  That Christ message of healing, tolerance and infinite possibility begins with the birth of a child in the most tedious of circumstances and in the most unassuming of places.  It is remarkable how that one event continues to change and affect our lives and the life of the world.

 

I hope that your family celebrations of Christmas reflect the message of Jesus by being opportunities for affection, affirmation and love.  It is my desire to reiterate the lessons gleaned from the story of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ at Christmastime and every Sunday here at Saint Joseph’s.  Whether you are a visitor to our parish community this Christmas or if you celebrate here every Sunday – I hope that you are blessed within the walls of this church and that your story and the story of your family may be one of peace.

 

Happiness at Christmastime!

 

 

 

 

Father Matt Pennington

Pastor