The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. (Luke 2:10-11)
There is this great conversation in "A Charlie Brown Christmas" between Charlie Brown and Linus as they're walking to the skating pond. It goes like this:
Charlie Brown says, "I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus. Christmas is coming, but I'm not happy. I don't feel the way I'm supposed to feel. I just don't understand Christmas, I guess. I like getting presents and sending Christmas cards and decorating trees and all that, but I'm still not happy. I always end up feeling depressed."
And then Linus responds, "Charlie Brown, you're the only person I know who can take a wonderful season like Christmas and turn it into a problem. Maybe Lucy's right. Of all the Charlie Browns in the world, you're the Charlie Browniest."
What about you? Are you feeling the way you're supposed to feel at Christmas? Are you a Charlie Brown or are you filled with joy and happiness? What's going to give you that feeling?
The message of Christmas is "good news of great joy." Christ the Savior is born! And as we celebrate the birth of Christ, let joy be born in our hearts not just this Christmas day but the whole year, and not just the whole year, but our whole lives.
My thanks to all of you who have been faithful parishioners, for all you do for our parish. It is with humble joy that I give thanks for the honor of serving as your pastor. Thank you for your support and prayers.
And finally, may God bless you all this Christmas, may your hearts be filled with the joy of Christ’s birth and may you be sharers of that joy always. Amen.