GOD’S GIFT OF HIS ONLY SON

On 28 November, we began the season of Advent, and over the last four weeks, the readings have been inviting us to prepare for the coming of the glory of the Lord – so that His glory will shine on us just as the sun does. At Mass, the choir has been singing joyfully in anticipation of the coming of Christmas, and now it has finally arrived! 

 

Christmas is a season of giving and sharing. It is a time to share with those who are near and dear to us. Spending quality time with family and close friends, rejoicing in the celebration of the birth of Christ. Christmas is also a time to remember those who have gone before us and those who are less fortunate than we are.

 

Last Christmas we were unable to participate in the Eucharistic celebration, as all Public Masses were suspended due to the spike in numbers of Covid-19 cases, especially in the Klang Valley. However, this year we are fortunate to have Public Masses in our Parishes and we are allowed to be physically present at Mass. It is still challenging for many of the faithful to attend Mass in person, as we continue to face the pandemic with the newly surfaced Omicron variant in our midst, and also due to the devastation caused by the recent floods in the Klang Valley and other states. Despite this, let us all make some time to join together in prayer and to celebrate the joy, love and happiness of the birth of Child Jesus, the Son of God. 

 

As we enter the joyful Season of Christmas, we pray that we will be more enthusiastic in making this season spirit-filled, by bringing the good news of God’s gift of His only Son to the World, who “has come from on high to visit us, to give light to those who live in darkness and the shadow dark as death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:78-79).

 

Immediately after Christmas Day, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Holy Family. On this last Sunday of the year, the Church dedicates a special day for all families - to look at how we have journeyed and moved forward as a family. The Holy Family - Mary, Joseph and Jesus reminds us of the importance of family obligations, relationships and virtues as the basic unit of Christian life and living. 

 

We need to show love, care and compassion for our parents and our children as we grow older. Every household has his/her obligation to carry out their duties and responsibilities in living their faith. To enjoy God’s favour and blessing, we need to place Jesus as the head of our family so that we become more loving, forgiving and understanding in our relationships, striving to keep unity and harmony in our home. Pray that we continue to care for one another, even in difficult times and pray that we always have empathy and compassion in our families.

 

Wishing you a peaceful Christmas filled with love, joy and happiness, and may all the blessings of this holy season be with you and your family, as we celebrate the birth of our Saviour.