A Blessed 2024: “Behold, I make all things new (Rev 21:4).” What an awesome scripture! For indeed, Jesus Christ does exactly that – he makes all things new! There is a great praise piece by Hillsong Worship entitled: “New Wine.” It is definitely worth a listen. The song reminds us that as the old passes away (sometimes painfully), God is always making new. He is doing new things. Christ is transforming each one of us into a “new creation (2 Cor 5:17).” At the end of an old calendar year and the beginning of a new one, the Church traditionally sings the “Te Deum,” a hymn of praise to God Almighty. In your life, what has transpired over this past year that makes you want to shout for joy to God? Do it! Thank him! Praise him! And what might need to be made new in your life? Humbly bring that before the throne of God in prayer, as well. May each of you have a truly blessed and beautiful New Year!

‘Twas the night before Christmas And all through the parish, Our folks were now gathered – Sweet memories to cherish. St. Anthony was decorated With its angels of straw, While at Holy Redeemer, The Christ-child we saw. Candles with their flames Gave a beautiful light, While Georgi as always Sang “O Holy Night.” Vested and earnest Sat our Deacon Ray, Faithful and ready For this Christmas Day. The choir was singing With voices so splendid, hymns of the season so beautifully rendered. Some with their walkers Now wise with old age, Shed tears of remembrance Both joyful and sage. Kids and dear babies Their lives just beginning, Sat eager and ready All dressed up and grinning. While up at the altar Their occurred such a wonder, That heaven itself Seemed aglow and asunder. For once in a manger And now here in our place, The King is made present Through gift and by grace. For God so loved everyone And sent us his Son, A child and Savior, God’s precious dear One. This infant so tender Adored by the shepherds, While hosts of the angels His praises once tendered. Wise men brought gifts And a drummer boy played, The one whom the prophets For so long had prayed. Yet even to those Who still worship today, This child is Emmanuel Our hope and our stay. Christmas is his birth Yet we are reborn, O come all ye faithful To this joyful morn. All of Warren County Should praise his sweet name, The holy Redeemer Our cheer and our claim. So be of good pleasure And be not afraid, Give honor and worship To this newborn babe. Please know of my prayers For both you and your kin, I’ll pray them this Christmas And often again. Rejoice in the treasure The gift that Christ brings, Both infant and Savior, Our joy and our king!

Advent Joy: Because we live in a world that so often lacks joy, we too can be burdened by discouragement and even hopelessness. Christian joy, though, is not dependent on the world around us. Christian joy flows from the very person of Jesus Christ! In his “inaugural address” at the synagogue in Jerusalem, our Lord announced that he had come to “preach good news to the poor . . . proclaim release to captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord (Luke 4:18-19).” Whether we suffer or not, whether we experience success or failure, whether we know prosperity or deprivation, Christ remains always and in every circumstance an unchanging source of joy. You and I are the poor and oppressed that he came to set free. As we celebrate this Gaudete Sunday, may each of us indeed rejoice!

Our Advent Focus: As a parish and as a Catholic community, our 2023 Advent focus is firmly fixed on Christ. We want to see his face. We long to hear his voice. We desire to know his love. There are no concerts or special celebrations planned for this Advent. Rather, we are communally and individually seeking to be still, hushed, silent, and attentive. The cold days and the dark nights are to our advantage. Kneeling before the Blessed Sacrament at church or huddled under a warm blanket at home, our hearts will be ready for contemplation. Remember: Christ longs for us even more than we long for him! Let him love you this Advent season. Let his grace seep deep into your soul. God is so very, very good, and you are his beloved child!