Advent Longing Turns to Christmas Joy

Dear parishioners and friends,

Joyous greetings to you and your family this Christmas. 

Let joy be in our hearts, and not just for Advent or Christmas but the whole year! Let us inspire this world with the light of Christ in the light of our joy.  Let us welcome family and friends. Let us welcome strangers and travelers in our midst who may join us to celebrate the Eucharist. Make room in the pews; greet with a welcome smile and gracious hospitality.
 
If you are returning to Church from a long absence, or even a short one, we extend Christ’s welcome and peace. We pray that the Joy of this Christmas celebration will fill you and inspire you to return to the joy of celebrating the Eucharist every week of the year. 
 
From Fr. Nick and myself, our Christmas prayer is that God will continue to shower His peace, mercy, care, and love upon you and your family; that you will be a beacon of hope to all those who are in your lives; and that people will encounter Jesus, as the best gift of all, through you. Know of our prayers; please keep us in yours.

FPH

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A previous version was published in the parish bulletin for the 4th Sunday of Advent (December 23, 2018).