There is a well-known novella written by Charles Dickens in the mid-19th century titled “A Christmas Carol.” It’s a timeless story that most of us know well, retold again and again on stage and on screen over the years.
It tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a wealthy English businessman who is cold and indifferent toward others. He is guilty of the sin of omission, standing by while those around him suffer. He never lifts a finger to help anyone. Yet through a spiritual awakening on Christmas Eve, he comes to see the darkness of his ways – and his heart is transformed on
Christmas morning.
The story is a lesson for all of us. Christmas asks us to reflect on how we have lived throughout the past year. Have we chosen the right paths? Have fear, doubt or anger held us back? The message of “A Christmas Carol,” and of the Gospel itself, is that no matter what has happened or who we have become, it is never too late to make room in our hearts for God’s love.
There is a God who loves us so deeply that He could not bear to remain distant from us. As St. John writes, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” In Jesus, God entered into our humanity – teaching us compassion, forgiveness and self-giving love. In Jesus, God has shown us the way to eternal life.
Christmas truly is a special time of year. It’s heartwarming to see families reunited, children home from school and our churches filled with joy and song. Advent and Christmas hold an immense power – the power to bring us home. Not just to our earthly homes, but to the place where our hearts truly belong: Home to God.
You see, Christmas is not just a holiday, but a holy day. And this holy day reminds us that Jesus – not Santa, not Rudolph, not The Grinch – is the true center of Christmas. His birth is God’s declaration that He wants to be with us: in our struggles, in our sorrows, in our joys.
My friends, as we draw near to the celebration of our Savior’s birth, take a moment to look within. Ask yourself: How am I living out my faith? Have I welcomed Christ into my life? And if you feel far from Him, remember – like Scrooge on Christmas morning – it is never too late to open your heart and be transformed by His love.
May the peace, joy and everlasting light of Christ fill your hearts this Christmas. You remain in the hearts and prayers of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement this Christmas and always.
Blessings! Thank you, I appreciate your religious assistance.
To ALL a Very Blessed Christmas and Happy Healthy New Year filled with God’s Love.
Mazzarella Family