Do you feel that there must be something more to Christmas than colored lights and consumerism?  Are you repelled by the appeal, “This holiday season, treat yourself to a new car!”  Are you looking for something real to address the anxieties, hopes, and fears of your life? Are you looking for a response to all of the distress in the world?  Are you dissatisfied the answers provided by the “sit coms” this year? On more than one episode cast members explain what Christmas is really about! Their answer is family gatherings and warm feelings. If all of these fall short, then look instead to the deeper meaning of Advent and the Christmas season. The Christmas carols in the mall can give you a clue, listen:

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!  Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by.  Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light.  The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

Everyone lives with hopes and fears.  Meanwhile, the power of God has been silently at work.  Once, two thousand years ago in Bethlehem, came a decisive moment.  God became human and lived among us.

Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King!  Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!

This is why Jesus was born, to reconnect humanity with the holy God, to heal the breach that our sins made between us. This truly is what Christmas is about!

Mild he lays his glory by, born than man no more may die.  Born to raise the sons of earth, born to given them second birth.

Forgiveness of sins, the promise of eternal life, these are real things, to which the Church looks forward in Advent, and which the Church celebrates at Christmas.  You are welcome to join us.  God’s gift is for all people and we want you to know about it.