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Gospel: Luke 2: 15-20
When the angels went away from them to heaven,
the shepherds said to one another,
“Let us go, then, to Bethlehem
to see this thing that has taken place,
which the Lord has made known to us.”
So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph,
and the infant lying in the manger.
When they saw this,
they made known the message
that had been told them about this child.
All who heard it were amazed
by what had been told them by the shepherds.
And Mary kept all these things,
reflecting on them in her heart.
Then the shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God
for all they had heard and seen,
just as it had been told to them.
The Gospel of the Lord.
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It never ceases to amaze me just how spellbound children are when they first see Santa.
It’s as if they’re in the presence of the Divine.
I’m sure we’ve all seen children approach Santa, gently hand him their handwritten letters, whisper in his ear exactly what they want, and walk away with a sparkle in their eyes, knowing Santa has the power to grant it.
Ask any child – Santa can do the impossible.
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The way children approach Santa reminds me of the innocence that once was within all of us… Maybe it still is.
It’s the innocence of belief.
In particular, it’s the belief that there is Someone out there listening to us… that there is Someone who cares for us… that there is Someone who knows what we want… and that special Someone has the power to grant it.
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That special Someone is, above all, God himself.
You will find here at St. Pius X as we journey together, God has done – and God will do – the impossible. He has listened to our prayers, and you will see, he has answered them.
Perhaps before Christmas ends, you and I can just close our eyes and see ourselves sitting on our heavenly Father’s lap. Tap into that innocence of belief. Tell him what you want. Then, see what he does.
Maybe we need deeper faith in his Son, Jesus – a faith that is not shaken when the storms of life come.
Maybe it’s more joy in your heart – a continuous pep in your step.
Maybe it’s a firm hope that 2022 will be better than 2021.
As we close out another year, what is it? What do you want from God?
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When I came to St. Pius X a year ago, I asked God for two things: first, I asked him to bring life into this parish – and look what he’s done.
We’ve developed our first parish pastoral council in 20 years; we have a vision statement – a reason why we exist, explaining what we believe; we have an SPX café; a family chapel; we’ve developed new ministries and revitalized existing ones.
There is life at St. Pius X.
My second prayer to God was this: that we would have a space for young people – and by extension, their parents, grandparents, and relatives – to gather (not just in the narthex).
Here to speak on God’s behalf is Santa, who reveals that we’ve been given what we asked for. I ask you to turn your attention to the screens behind me as Santa makes a very special announcement, reminding us once again, that God does the impossible.
(Santa announces that we will be building a playground behind the church, complete with a small rock climbing wall, monkey bars, and slides, as well as a 2,000 sq. foot half-court for basketball and other sports!)
But as you listen, keep in mind, this is just the beginning.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, Merry Christmas and God bless you!
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Image credits: (1) The Columbus Dispatch (2) Very Well Family (3) The Indian Express