Many thanks from myself and our entire parish staff for the many cards, prayers and gifts we have received over the Christmas season.
We celebrated a beautiful, spirit-filled Christmas and not only was our mass attendance great, but so was the attendance at our Advent prayer services, wreath making and retreat.
Of course, Joseph and Mary and our "pony-impersonating-a-donkey"
led the way through the Stations of the Creche.
We did actually have a donkey this year, though he did not do any of the heavy lifting. I think he is animal who has learned that Baby Jesus sleeps on the best straw in the manger - and the donkey knows just how to get it!
We did have quite a gathering of God's creatures. It is surprising how eager for attention (and food) the goats are; a few of them really do seem to enjoy butting you when you least expect it. I thought that happened only in black and white cartoons!
The real reason for the season. We gather as God's family in a busy, commericialized and increasingly secularized month, to give thanks for the coming of Christ among us, praise God with hymns and inspired songs, place the infant Jesus in the manger, light our tree and pause for some refreshments. Now we were ready for Christmas.
Have a Blessed and Grace-filled Christmas Season.
