Christmas Message

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Over these last days of Advent, I find myself replaying two seemingly distinct moments. One was seeing the array of presents and food offerings at Episcopal Community Services for the hundreds of people who will receive the love of our community at Christmas. I also remember seeing a man and a woman on University Avenue in San Diego, pushing a cart which seemed to contain all of their worldly belongings.

As Christmas comes upon us, it was not a flight of great imagination to see this couple as contemporary icons of Mary and Jose ph on their weary way to Bethlehem. Indeed, I wondered if a portion of the offerings assembled at Episcopal Community Services might be transported by the magi of these holy days to wherever their nativity may be.

On Christmas, we celebrate the Incarnation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I rejoice that God has become human and dwelled among us. We will bless the bread and wine become Christ on that holy day. Perhaps, as we receive the sacrament, Jesus again with us and in us, we will be moved to seek Jesus in our Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph just might be walking down the street. Indeed, that moment will be pregnant with the possibility of hope, of Emmanuel, God with us.

May God bless you in Christmastide.