My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It’s hard to believe that we have come to the end of another calendar year. For some of us, our hope is the successes continue and for others, it couldn’t come soon enough… good riddance. Regardless of which describes our personal situation, there is a much bigger story to be told.

You see, this is just a short stop for each of us. The pleasantries or difficulties of this life are temporary. In his treatise "On the Incarnation of the Word," St. Athanasios writes," He (God the Father) took pity on them (creation), therefore, and did not leave them destitute of the knowledge of Himself, lest their very existence should prove purposeless." (Chapter 3:11)

The celebration of the Nativity in the flesh of our Lord is our yearly reminder that our existence is not purposeless. We have the opportunity to come to know God the Father through the Incarnation of His Son. The Heavens descend to the earth as the Divine becomes human so humanity can come to know and become one with Him. This is our purpose.

With this as our purpose and our opportunity to come to know the Father through the Son, all we experience in this life has new meaning. We live now so we might live forever with Him in His Kingdom.

May this holiday season be spiritually rewarding, joyous and peaceful surrounded by the love of family and friends.

In His Service,

+Fr. Mario