As we come to the last days of 2009, I hope that you continue to enjoy renewed hope and life that the Christmas season brings to us.
One of the great themes of the Nativity story is the light who is Christ shining in the darkness, bringing new life to us all. That theme continues as we extend our Christmas celebration. In so many ways the world is as dark now as it was then. But the light of Christ continues to shine, offering hope to us and the promise that the darkness will not prevail.
In our prayer, our work and in all of our relationships I hope that Christmas reminds us that Christ became like us so that we might become like him. Joined to him in baptism, we not only receive his light but become bearers of the light.
This holy season and the beginning of a new year, each in its own way, invite us to be mindful of our call to be light for others. That call is an invitation to be attentive to any darkness those around us might experience and to be willing to let our humble light shine in them in hopeful, encouraging ways.
Peace to all.