Dear Columban Friends,
As the twinkling lights dance around the tree and the scent of pine fills the air, Christmas arrives once more, a beacon of joy and reflection. This season I invite you to pause amid the hustle and bustle, encouraging you to ponder the deeper meanings woven into its fabric.
At its heart, Christmas is a celebration of light in the midst of darkness. The warmth of candles and the glow of decorations remind us of hope and renewal. In a world often clouded by uncertainty, these reminders become even more poignant.
Reflecting on the past year, we can recall moments of both joy and challenge. Perhaps there were unexpected victories and cherished memories shared with loved ones. Yet, there may also have been hardships and losses that tested our resilience. Christmas encourages us to embrace all of these experiences with the hope of the season.
Now is also a time for gratitude, as we appreciate the simple pleasures of togetherness and the bonds that unite us as friends and family. Whether our loved ones are near or far, the spirit of Christmas bridges distances and fosters connections that transcend time.
Amid the exchange of gifts and the laughter of gatherings, Christmas invites us to extend compassion beyond our immediate circles. It prompts us to reach out to those in need, offering kindness and support that echoes the generosity of the season.
Ultimately, Christmas serves as a reminder of the greatest gift of all — love. It is love that binds families and communities together, love that inspires acts of kindness, and love that endures through trials and triumphs.
As we gather around tables adorned with festive fare, let us cherish these moments of friendship and reflection. Let us carry the spirit of Christmas throughout the year, spreading light wherever we go.
In this season of wonder and warmth, may our hearts be filled with peace, our spirits be lifted by joy, and our lives be enriched by the true meaning of Christmas.
I hope you use and enjoy the enclosed Christmas cards. May they help you to spread love and joy this season. We remember you thankfully in our Masses and prayers for helping us to spread love, joy and peace throughout the year.
Gratefully yours in Christ,
The Missionary Society of St. Columban is entrusted by the Holy Father with part of the Church’s mission to spread the Faith and saving work of Christ.” (Vat.II) The Society works under the guidance of the Sacred Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and under the leadership of the bishops. We are listed in the U.S. Official Catholic Directory published annually by P.J. Kennedy and Sons. As such, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service recognizes us as a religious not-for-profit corporation, therefore contributions to our work are tax deductible. We employ no outside professional fund-raisers and pay no commissions.