In his message, Bishop O’Connell reminds the faithful that while the secular side of Christmas may make the holiday seem as if it is just for children, the real “reason for the season” is for everyone.
“Christmas is, indeed, about a Child but it isn’t only ‘for children,’” Bishop O’Connell says. “The weeks of Advent that the Church offers Christians each year — young and old — ready us for the celebration of the birth of the Christ Child in Bethlehem over two thousand years ago. …
“’Christmas is for children.’ It is, yes — but Christmas is also for every child who has grown to adulthood and beyond, knowing of and loving the Child born for every one of us that day; the Child who came for every one of us that day; the Child whose life was lived for every one of us beginning that day and every day since. Children grow up … and so did the Child Jesus. Christmas was and is one day, true, but it is forever and for all. Christmas is, truly, ‘the gift that keeps on giving’ no matter how young or old we may be.”
Bishop O’Connell later reminds the faithful that it is up to us to keep the true meaning of Christmas at the forefront of Dec. 25 celebrations.
“Santa, evergreen trees, lights, carols, gifts … they all have their place “for children.” It is up to those among us who are no longer children, however, to make sure that Christmas’ deeper, truest meaning is never lost or forgotten or replaced by the worldly ‘glitter and glow.’
“’For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6).’
“’Joy to the world, the Lord has come!’ Merry Christmas!”
You can listen to Bishop O’Connell’s full message by clicking the player above or visiting our podcast page,
HERE, or you can read the text of his message,
HERE, and watch his video message,
HERE.