Christmas 2020
Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,
Christmas Greetings and Blessings!
This Christmas, I am reminded of an old story that seems to capture, for me at least, the heart of the matter this year. Maybe you remember this story too. In the play, Green Pastures, there is the angel Gabriel who walks on stage with his horn under his arm. He approaches the Lord who is deep in thought. God is very troubled about what is happening on earth: So much anger and fighting, so much pain and sadness, so many blindly ruining their lives. God is very troubled because God has already sent any number of prophets and special messengers, but God’s people just cannot or will not hear them.
Gabriel offers to blow his horn and bring the whole sorry mess to a quick end. But God takes the horn away. Gabriel presses the Lord about what to do. And finally, the Lord answers, “This time I’m not going to send anybody. This time I’m going myself!”
That seems to me to be what we are celebrating this and every Christmas season. God has given us the best gift: His own son as our guide, our brother, and our friend. And God will never take the gift back—not for all eternity.
So, what are we to do with this incredible Christmas present, especially considering this past challenging year? Take it in, all the way. Unwrap the gift and savor the beauty of the birth of Christ in your life and the life of the world. Silently and simply, speak his name, “Jesus,” and know that no matter what, all will be well. All will be well!
On behalf of the entire staff, I wish you and yours every blessing and peace now and in the New Year!
Fr. George Couturier
Please note: Due to the precautions about the COVID-19 virus, the Archbishop has suspended the obligation for all Sunday and Holy Day Masses until Ash Wednesday. This includes Christmas and New Year’s Day: Mary, the Mother of God. Our parish will continue to livestream Masses on all these days to both the Parish Facebook Page and the Parish Website. Plan to join our community in prayer and worship virtually during these sacred days.
