My beloved brothers and sisters,

Christmas 2009 is upon us and I hope it brings many blessings and happiness to every one of you. I wonder how many of us are determined to benefit from this blessingwhich has been announced by the choir of heaven angels “glory to God in the highest and peace on earth”

It was supposed after the coming of Jesus Christ, peace and divine love would fill every race and heart earth. So why do you think this is not the case nowadays? But in fact the opposite is happening? Letʼs meditate on the world around us to see how it is being ruined by war, cruelty, hatefulness and selfishness, which growing day by day. It is enough hearing the news every day to realise the deep comprehensive trouble between individuals, communities and countries, both large and small

If the world nowadays does not appreciate the genuine love which was granted by the coming of Jesus Christ, this is because we have neglected and refused his grace and rejected his Fatherʼs teachings. The Lord of peace taught us about many characteristics in life. One of his guidance is this ʻProphecyʼ which tells us that we all are ʻsons of Godʼ regardless of our ethnicity, religion, believes, gender or language. This teaching is part of our daily prayer, which we repeat and promise to do saying ʻ Our father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name..

Once we can maintain brotherly love, regardless of any other considerations we can reach the status of purification and understand then the deep meaning of our Fatherʼs commandment ʻlove your brother as mu as you love yourselfʼ. Imagine the world with equality, honesty and unconditioned love. It would be a peaceful world for everyone to enjoy and rejoice the almighty Father

If we believe that we are all the sons of one unique God, we should feel obliged to respect and love one another. Having accomplished this we can then feel the real peace in our hearts and minds wherever we are; in our homes, with our families, between societies and countries.

Let us raise glory and praise to God our Father by firstly living with peace within ourselves and spreadi this with each other. May the Lord of peace bless you, your family and your countries

This Year has been designated by the Pope Benedict XVI for priests and their missions It is an opportunity for deep spiritual renewal and a rejuvenation of the gift they received at ordination. Let us Pray for all the priests to fulfil with big awareness and responsibility the requirements of the divine gift granted to them for t wellbeing of GODʼs people.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

Father Charbel El Azzi

Parish Priest