While this article will appear in the bulletin on the Fourth Sunday of Advent, many of you will be receiving it on the Lord’s Birthday. On behalf of the Cathedral Staff and Archbishop Weisenburger, Merry Christmas! What a blessing it is to gather on this holy day with you. Whether you worship here every week, are visiting family, have been away for a while, or simply felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit to come today, please know this: you are truly welcome, and we are grateful you are here. The pews look better with you in them.
As I write this, my black lab Annie is sleeping at my feet and making me laugh because she is groaning through a dream. I love her dearly and she is always at my side. I find that so comforting. In the same way, on this Christmas Day, we stand before the mystery that changed the world forever—God becoming one of us so He would always be at our side. The eternal Word took on flesh so that no one would ever walk alone again. Jesus’ birth is God’s declaration that light is stronger than darkness, hope is greater than fear, and love—God’s love—is always reaching for us.
Christmas tells us that joy is not just sentiment—it is the deep, steady truth that God is with us. As we hear the familiar Gospel and sing the beloved carols (some loudly, some off-key, all beautifully), may you feel that joy settling into your heart. The Christ Child comes for you personally—your hopes, your struggles, your family, your entire story.
If this is your home parish, thank you for bringing your faith to life. If you’re visiting, we are honored to share this holy day with you. And if you are “testing the waters,” we promise the water is warm—we’d love to welcome you back.
May the peace of Jesus, the laughter I get from Annie, and the joy of this season fill your hearts. Thank you for celebrating Christmas with us.
You make this church family complete.
Merry Christmas! May your day be filled with grace, hope, and maybe even — like Annie’s — a nap!
God bless you,
Fr. J.J. (and Annie too)