Dear Friends:

When it's all said and done we really can do without an awful lot that's on our many "lists" at this time of year, can't we? But if we want a truly merry Christmas -- for ourselves and our family -- there is only one thing that will bring that happiness, joy and peace that we all want deep down -- and that is our precious Saviour, Jesus Christ. Often we're in the position of asking, "What do you get for the person who already has everything?" Someone once said wisely: "The person who has 'everything', but doesn't know Jesus, has nothing. But, the person who has 'nothing', but does know Jesus, has everything!" If you feel that something seems to be missing in your Christmas -- or in your life -- is it Him? He came that we might have "abundant life." Some of us go through this usually happy season with a tinge of sadness. Maybe a dear loved one is gone, or we are separated from them for some other reason. Jesus knows all about that too. We will find in Him our very best friend, always ready to listen, to share all our griefs, and our tears. Take some time in this hectic season of preparation to ask yourself, "What's all the fuss for? What's my life all about, anyway?" He will be ready to show you. His love for you is never-failing, his mercy endures, ever-sure. He doesn't have to check his list twice, he already knows when we've been 'naughty and nice' -- and he still loves us! He came to prove it to us. Born in a barn, to give us everlasting life. Let Him show his love for you. Give Him your heart, He'll make it His home. At Christmas & Always,

Fr. Gerry+