Fr. Jim Lowe Christmas Day 2020

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Elizabeth cried out, “And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”… “There were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’”... The three magi followed a star to Bethlehem and bowed down before baby Jesus paying homage to Him with Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. This time of Christmas is a time of entering into the story of our salvation. We are not merely observers, we are participants. Just as Jesus entered into the world of darkness in very unexpected and miraculous ways 2,000 years ago, He comes to us today in very unexpected and miraculous ways. When we are overcome by the darkness of the world, the flesh, and the devil, Jesus comes to us as the Light of the World to destroy the darkness of sin and death. Christmas is a reminder to us of how many ways Jesus encounters us. He reveals himself most powerfully in the Word of God proclaimed, and in His true presence body, blood, soul, and divinity in the Eucharist. He also reveals Himself in the face of our brothers and sisters. Friends, as we celebrate Christmas this year, let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Let us turn away from the fears and anxieties of the world and place our hope and trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Know that I will be praying for each of you. Please keep me in your prayers as well. Have a blessed and holy Christmas season.

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Jim Lowe, CC