Reflection from Fr. Christopher P Foustoukos

An angel of the Lord appeared to (Joseph) in a dream and said,  "Joseph...do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus,
for he will save his people their sins.” ( Matthew 1:20-21)

My son’s birth was a gift for my wife, Claire, and me. I remember the day he was born and the stress I felt as Claire had to have a C- section; and I was with her the en- tire time. When the doctor delivered our son and I heard his first cry, I understood how it must of felt for Joseph to witness the birth of Christ.

While the birth of any child is a gift, the birth of Jesus Christ was God’s greatest gift. When Christ was born, Mary and Joseph knew he had come to bring salvation to all.

During Christmas we can get so caught up in looking for the perfect gift for others that we miss the perfect gift given to us by God. From this gift of love, we are inspired to love one another. Such a gift is free for all to take, and once accepted, it is life changing.

May we pause this Christmas and thank God for the perfect gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, and for the salvation that came through Him. A very Blessed and Merry Christmas to all!

+Father Chris