Rejoice in Christ; Illuminate the World
In the great oratorio “Messiah” written by George Handel, the solo bass sings an aria entitled “The people that walked in darkness” accompanied by the celli and basses. The sound is foreboding and somewhat agitated, but when he sings the following verse “have seen a great light” the music lightens up with the addition of the violins and offers a sense of hope and joy. Handel tried to encapsulate with music the great mystery of the birth of Christ. The long-awaited Messiah illuminated the darkness of the world and gives people hope and peace.
As we celebrate Christmas, our task is to rejoice in Christ by illuminating the world with his love, joy, and peace. We sometimes get caught up in the doom and gloom of everyday life; yet, the Christ Child invites us to see the world through his eyes: to experience the joy of creation, the excitement of new life, the possibilities that come from taking a look at things from a fresh perspective. Instead of doing things same-old, same-old, put yourself in the shoes of a child on Christmas morning. Experience the world in a new light—an illumination that comes from Christ himself.
As the Family of Parishes “Disciples Unleashed,” we want to see our parishes and parishioners in a new, fresh, and exciting light. One in which we share the best of who we are as God’s children, using our gifts and talents to build up the Body of Christ here in Macomb County. May this Christmas be an opportunity for all of us to grow as brothers and sisters in the Lord by seeing the light of Christ that is within us and going forth to illuminate the world with his love.
Merry Christmas from our Family to yours.
