In a few days, many people around the world will celebrate the blessings of Christmas.

 

I’m fully aware that all do not believe what happened 2000 years ago with the birth of Jesus to a virgin named Mary.

 

However, for 2000 years, Christmas has been truly about the birth of our Savior.

 

One thought that has come to my mind, as I think about Christmas, is what if he had not visited us, or even greater, what if he had not decided to be crucified on the cross, then where would we be today?

 

My question today is, how are you incorporating the Christmas season in your life?

 

I know that had he not visited us and taken on the sins of the world, there would be no Advent, which we finished this past Sunday.

 

You and I have seen so much happening in the world today, with all the violence that has occurred, not to mention the tragic deaths we read and hear about on television since the year began.

 

Although Jesus didn’t have to do it, he did for all.

 

Sometimes the words “Jesus is the Reason” may seem hollow to those who don’t practice the faith or have departed from their faith.

 

However, those words are not hollow for me.

 

I would like to think that during the Christmas season, when we hear those words, something would resonate within us to trigger each of us in our daily practices to reinforce our faith, with the recent reminders of Thanksgiving that happened last month.

 

One of my favorite songs I get the opportunity to listen to each Christmas Season is “Mary Did You Know.”

 

It’s the first stanza that resonates with me:

 

Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?

 

Mary, did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?

 

Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?

 

This child that you delivered will soon deliver you.

 

All powerful words!

 

Bing Videos

 

Mary, Did You Know? (Lyric Video / Live At Gaither Studios, Alexandria, IN/2020)

 

For me, it’s during this Christmas season that I often think about how each of us practices or reinforces our faith, with the recent reminders of Thanksgiving that happened last month.

 

For some, Christmas is also that special time to be with family and friends.

 

As I watched in Mass, the last candle of Advent being lit was another reminder of why we celebrate Christmas and his visit.   (Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love)

 

Every year, I end Advent on Christmas Eve by deliberately attending Midnight Mass, and this year will be no different.

 

My prayer is that you reflect on his visit and why we celebrate Christmas.

 

“Christmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind.” —Mary Ellen Cha

 

This week, I challenge you to count your blessings and remember how you felt as a child and how you feel as an adult. “To appreciate Christmas to the full, one must know how it feels to be deprived of its blessings.” —Carlos P. Romulose

 

Merry Christmas to you and your family!