In this season of reflection, thanksgiving and outreach, there is something profound in the air. The time of joyful arrival is at hand!

As we approach the Holy Nativity of our Lord, we'll be welcoming the Babe in the manger—the King of Kings, who came not with the heralding of trumpets or brandishing a sword … but quietly, peacefully, unexpectedly in humble settings just outside the walls of Jerusalem. With Christ's birth, new hope is offered us. The world is made new; despair and death scurry into the shadows in fear. And not only humanity, but creation itself—which also groans under the weight of sin—is given new life.

The question is asked, "How can the Lord come to us as true man and true God"? How can we fathom this—how does this work? If you can't quite wrap your brain around this, you're not alone. God's ways are His, not ours—there's no reason we should be able to understand. The point is, in fact, that we don't need to understand how. All we need to know is that He did come. And that His coming was motivated by nothing but pure, unadulterated, unswerving and unexpected love for all of us.

This is something to celebrate. To this end, I invite you to participate fully in our cycle of Nativity services (please see our calendar page and www.hmog.org). There is much distraction for you and me each day—email, car-problems, faxes, cell phones, family obligations, work concerns. We seldom take time to think, reflect—even more seldom to pray and give thanks for another glorious day surrounded by those we love.

Make time this month to do these things. Join your brothers and sisters in worship. Bring your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and godchildren to Liturgy. Join in the outreach and philanthropic efforts of our parish. Give yourself permission to take time out to nurture your spiritual life, your relationship with the Lord. Come into the Narthex this week—light a candle; be inspired by a holy icon; approach the Kingdom of Heaven. Come face to face with the Christ-child. See His tender gaze … witness His humility and vulnerability. Anticipate the gravity of what's to come, what's being done for us.

If you're feeling lousy, low and like you don't deserve to be in God's presence, all the more reason for you to come. Absolutely no excuses. There are no perfect people in our parish. The Church is for sinners; the Lord is there to heal you.

I remain in prayer for you, your family and all those dear to you. On behalf of our Parish Council and all of our ministry leaders, I wish you and yours a radiant Christmas, and a truly blessed New Year.