Dear friends,
As I write this, we are in the last days before Christmas. Many of us are getting ready for our final preparations. I wish you all the very best for this special season, from the bottom of my heart.
As I think of the birth of Jesus over 2000 years ago, my first wish for all of you is the gift of love. Christmas is a time to gather and celebrate with those we hold dear. We open ourselves to the love of others and the joy that comes from that love. I know that sometimes we can feel wounded in this way, experiencing loss and grief. My prayer is that none of us will feel alone this Christmas, and that we will all have a chance to share our hearts in celebration.
My second wish for everyone is the gift of peace. Peace, first of all, in our hearts and in our homes. And beyond that, peace in the world. I think particularly those who are living times of division and conflict, with a special thought for the people in Ukraine. Jesus came as the Prince of Peace. Let’s all make sure we invite that peace into our lives through our prayer, mutual forgiveness and compassion.
My final wish for all of us is the gift of charity. Jesus taught us that it is better to give than to receive, and he lived it himself. His whole life was meant for others. I’ve found that I become the best version of myself when I remember to imitate that example. I wish for all of us that as much as we will receive this Christmas, we will also remember to be thankful for those blessings and to share with those less fortunate than we are.
On this feast of Christ’s birth, I wish you all a blessed Christmas!
- Bishop Thomas Dowd, Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie