Joy to the World!  The Lord is come; let earth receive her King.

Many of us have heard and perhaps have sung this song in church, while driving to work or while alone on an evening walk – Joy to the World!

Although we may not feel an over abundance of joy this season, in light of the pandemic and its related devastation, we anticipate the birth of Jesus, our Christ, and as such, we bear joy to our community.  Let us shine His light into our land.   Joy to the world!  

Although very difficult at times, proclaiming joy is good and essential work – especially now. Though we are saddened by what is lost in our lives, we have our families, and our communities – Joy to the world!

While we strive to bring happiness to those whose lives are filled with hurt, anger and confusion – Joy to the world!

While this is a strange year, God challenges us to be steadfast in our work.  As noted in our 3-Year Faith Plan, we are called to be intentional disciples of Jesus.  We will prepare room in our heart for Him: 

  • By doing His will here on Earth,
  • By caring for the needy,
  • By helping our neighbors,
  • By loving one another

Prepare Him room.  Sing joyfully to the world.   

In St. Luke’s Gospel (Luke 2:7), we learn of the first Christmas, “She [Mary] gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”  Imagine, in the simplest of beds, in the dark of the night, in a far away place, lies the One for whom no room was made.  Yet strangely, here lies the One King who later dies for us so that we can have eternal life.

In your hearts, in your homes, in your lives, prepare him room.  God bless you; and may God hold us all in those almighty hands of love.  Joy to the world! The Lord is come. 

On behalf of everyone at Holy Spirit Catholic Schools, I wish everyone a blessed and Holy Christmas Season. 

Christmas Blessing 2020 (Video)