From Father Peter and Father Anselm

Joy to the World…And Heaven and Nature Sing

Hurray! It is Christmas again when we remember the birth of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, who brings Joy to the world.  Although we may not feel an overabundance of joy this season, as a result of what we have been through over the recent years. Moreover, our communities amidst the ongoing pandemic have experienced the worst flooding in history which has left many people devastated. With all that is going on right now, it’s hard to find in the world the true and lasting joy that we so desire. In the midst of difficulties and uncertainties, let us strive to bring joy to those whose lives are filled with hurt, brokenness, and confusion. Christ the Light of the world is the source of the ultimate joy that we all desire.    

Joy is still possible in the midst of difficulties. In St. Luke’s Gospel (Luke 2:7), we learn a tremendous lesson from the first Christmas, “Mary gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.” Jesus was born in a difficult situation, yet the Angels sang; “Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace to people of goodwill”. Despite the challenges and even the crises that the world experiences, let us join the Angels in singing Glory to God in the highest. Heaven and nature sing, because Jesus the Saviour of the world is born.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ this Christmas, let joy be born in our hearts, in our homes and workplaces, not just this Christmas, but all the days of our lives.  Let us inspire this world, which can seem so lost in darkness, with our love and kindness. May this Christmas bring us all comfort, joy, and peace, and may our hearts be filled with the Joy of Christ’s birth. May our mouths continue to sing God’s praises, now and forever. Amen

Have a Spirit-filled Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Fr Peter and Fr Anselm