“And the Word became  flesh and dwelt among us.”  These words that we utter whenever we pray the  Angelus, (morning, noon,  and evening), strikingly  remind us of God’s overwhelming love for us. But I would like to add a bit of revision to that profession of our belief. Change the word “dwelt” to “dwells” for that is exactly the result of His having come into our midst. He became flesh and now He becomes Bread and Wine in the Holy  Eucharist to continue what He began 2000 years ago. 

Awesome, overwhelming? You bet! That is why Christ-Mass is a never ending outpouring of God’s  mercy and love. If only people would realize this, as the song goes . . . “what a wonderful world this would be”. The word “mass” which comes from the  Latin word miseo means “to send” and as Christ was  first sent to us at the Annunciation and then at Bethlehem so He continues to come to us every time the  Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered.  

The joy that radiates throughout the Christian world  is something that should not be contained only to the  bleak winter or burgeoning Spring depending upon  where one lives. Rather, we carry that joy with us every day and throughout the year, especially when we receive our Blessed Lord in the Holy Eucharist. 

As you come to the crèche and gaze upon the  swaddling-wrapped infant in the manger, contemplate  the mystery of God waiting for you to pick Him up  and draw Him to your heart in Holy Communion.  Let Him disperse all anxiety from your heart and assure you that indeed He has come to dwell in you  now and forever.  

A Blessed and joyful Christmas to you and yours, 

Father Langan