12.16.2017
Christmas
“The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;” Is. 9:1
“And this will be a sign for you:
you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes
and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12
Dear Sisters and Associates,
With each of you, we welcome the birth of Jesus into our lives and into our world during these coming days!
Christmas is the birth of the Light of the World, of him who was called wonderful, counselor, prince of peace, Jesus Christ.
Even as we anticipate the end of Advent and the joy of Christmas with grateful hearts, we may be wondering how Jesus will draw us into new areas of darkness that are waiting for us to come and be bearers of the “light”. Are we open to await the grace that will allow us to be this “light”?
Over two thousand years ago, so scripture tells us, the shepherds were told to follow the light and to look for the “sign” of a baby wrapped in warm cloth and lying in a manger.
Today people still stray the gift of light and look for other “signs” or symbols. Certainly Christmas is about signs and symbols: stars and blinking lights, trees decorated, colorful wreaths and plants, and nativity scenes. But these decorations are just that...decorations which come and go.
It is each of us who must be the “signs” or witnesses of Christ\�s light. We are called to bear this light and love to those areas of darkness created by biased judgments, rejection, exclusion, greed for power and insular thinking. It is each of us who must be the “sign” which draws others to the light, through our welcoming presence, acceptance of diversity and our offering of hope and compassionate love.
Wishing each of you the joy and peace of Christmas and a grace-filled New Year!
S. Sally Hodgdon
S. Mariaelena Aceti
S. Ieda Tomazini
S. Philo Pazhuruparambil