Feeling the joy of Christmas hope

Do you feel it?

Do you feel that unique joy and hope that surrounds us in our celebration of the Savior’s birth? It is not a logical hope because it comes in spite of the difficulties of life and the upheavals we see throughout the world. 

At times the world seems like a dead stump and as hard as we look there is no sprout, no hope. Why be so hopeful? We are hopeful because we do not hope in the world. 

We are hopeful because our God does not allow us to shut him out completely. He finds a space to enter our lives even if it means entering through a stable. Our Christmas joy is found in our HOPE IN THE LORD who does not, did not give up on us.

The tree of Jesse that appears dead, gives life. The ancient prophesies for which people of faith waited centuries, are fulfilled. Where it seemed all was lost a Savior is born and the love of God is not held back. In spite of our troubles and concerns, we have hope in our God who is Emmanuel, God with us and born for us this Christmas Day.

I pray that this hope will fill you and your family with joy this Christmas. I also pray that you have a prosperous, healthy and faith filled New Year. 

Hope in the Lord and Merry Christmas.

+Bishop Michael Duca