Holy Trinity ChurchFeliz Navidad
When I was a boy, I was always excited because of Christmas. To place the Christmas ornaments on the tree, to set the Nativity scene, to watch the Christmas lights, to eat delicious food, and Night of the Little Candles, the Christmas Novena, which is a Colombian Tradition, the Christmas carols and December music, the food, dancing, and of course the gifts, made me feel that Christmas is a special celebration. However, Christmas was special not because of the ornaments, food, or gifts, but because all families are together, sharing this wonderful time. I remember being together on Christmas Eve with my parents, brothers, grandparents, uncles, cousins, and close friends. We ate, danced, exchanged gifts, and had a marvelous feast. We had an incredible time because of all of these things, but also because we know that Jesus is not only born in Bethlehem, but also in our hearts.
This joy is the same one that the shepherds felt when the angel of the Lord announced that the Messiah was born, “For today in the city of David a Savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.” (Lk. 2:11). The announcement of the angels is joy because Jesus is born in our lives. The nativity of the Lord is the expression of God’s love to each one of us. This joy is reflected in the different decorations that we have in our homes.
The angels invited not only the shepherds to go and adore the newborn baby, but also each one of us. We cannot forget that the main reason for Christmas is Christ. Look at that fragile boy. Look at Him, His innocence, tenderness, and all of the love that God has for all of us. Our mission is not only to feel the love of God who is given us through this child, but to transmit the same love in our society who is living in crisis because of violence in many places, such us Ukraine, Israel, South America, Africa, Asia, and of course, our country.
Let us celebrate Christmas with love and joy. Let us eat delicious food with our family and friends, let us sing Christmas carols and enjoy the snow in the company of our children. Let us rejoice because the Emmanuel is among us. Let us keep Christ in Christmas through an amazing action that we can do for our relatives, family, friends, and strangers. Let us live Christmas the whole year because the baby Jesus is always in our hearts and came to us in the wonderful sacrament of the Eucharist.
I, as the Pastor of the Church of the Most Holy Trinity and on behalf of our staff, wish you Merry Christmas! ¡Feliz Navidad!
May the Baby, who was born in Bethlehem, be born again this Christmas in your hearts and homes and be with you always. Feliz Navidad, Merry Christmas, my brothers and sisters. Enjoy the wonderful Holy Days in company of your beloved ones and, of course, the Holy Family, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
Remember, The parish that we dream is the parish that I help to build!
God bless you and may the Blessed Virgin Mary be with you always!
Fr. Jorge Ramírez
