"Mary" Christmas! May you love Jesus as Mary does.

Before Christmas, I received the devastating news that a married couple I had known for years was planning to divorce. Next, a good friend's father died suddenly, apparently without knowing Christ. Then, on Christmas Eve, a homeless man knocked on the rectory door. He was a broken and hurting man in many ways — especially because he was alienated from his dying father.

All this bad news would be depressing if not for the facts that:

• God has become man and dwells among us (Jn 1:14).
• "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone" (Is 9:1).
• "The grace of God has appeared, saving all" (Ti 2:11).
• "When the kindness and generous love of God our Savior appeared, not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of His mercy, He saved us" (Ti 3:4-5).
• "They see directly, before their eyes, the Lord restoring" His people (Is 52:8).
• "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people" (Lk 2:10).

There is hope, reconciliation, healing, resurrection, and eternal life because "today in the city of David a Savior has been born for you Who is Messiah and Lord" (Lk 2:11). The light of Christ and Christmas "shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (Jn 1:5). "Mary" Christmas!

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend David L. Zink, June 12, 2002

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 13, 2002