December 25, 2021 | Merry Christmas
From Father Don, Father James, the permanent Deacons, and staff at Our Lady of Mercy, Merry Christmas!
May you and your loved ones, far and close, know the joy of being loved and the joy of loving.
And let us rejoice, for we have been rescued – our Savior has come!
You are what makes Our Lady of Mercy special and we are so grateful you continue to worship with us, serve with us, be in community with us and support us. Thank you and have a Blessed and Merry Christmas!
A CHRISTMAS REFLECTION
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… for the Word became flesh…and made His dwelling among us. -John 1
This is a day for falling in love. This is the day when Mary and Joseph look up from the baby in the manger and invite us to gather around. Even as they savor the moment, they are eager to share it with us as well, this “good news of great joy
. . . for all the people” (Luke 2:10).
And so Joseph and Mary invite us to join them on their journey of discovery. Here, says Mary, as she lifts her newborn from the hay.
He is yours too—He came for you.
Take Him. Hold Him close. Share in the love that Joseph and I have for this little one.
Like the angels’ birth announcement, the invitation is for everyone. No one is left out—however unworthy, unspiritual, or unprepared we may feel. So whoever you are, wherever you are, whatever your state today, receive this gift of Jesus. Take the child in your arms. Like Father Don says in his Christmas homily about a newborn baby. Gaze on His face, and see how much He loves you. Let Him lock eyes with you, as babies will, so that He can search your heart and reveal you to yourself. Let down your defenses, and fall in love with this Christ child—with God-made flesh for you.
As a wise spiritual director has shared, falling in love with God in this “absolute, final way” is the most practical and far-reaching thing you could ever do:
“What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you will do with your evenings, how you will spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude.”
Jesus has come. The Word has become flesh. Fall in love with Him. Stay in love with Him. It will decide everything.
“Mary and Joseph, thank you for bringing Jesus to me! Pray that I might love Him as you did—more and more each day.”
Take part in our community life
Alpha in January sign-up now; who will you bring with yoU?
Salt and Light Grow Group in January, find out more here\
A Mother’s Heart Grow Group find out more here
Consuming Fire Grow Group find out more here
Vine and Branches Grow Group find out more here
