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The Adoration of the Child is depicted in this 17th-century painting by Dutch artist Gerard van Honthorst. Christmas is celebrated Dec. 25. (CNS photo\/Uffizi Gallery in Florence)<\/p>\nDear Friends in Christ,<\/p>\n
In words echoed by Saint Matthew in his account of the birth of Jesus, the prophet Isaiah sets the stage for God\u2019s redemptive plan: \u201cBehold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means God is with us.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Adoration of the Child is depicted in this 17th-century painting by Dutch artist Gerard van Honthorst. Christmas is celebrated Dec. 25. (CNS photo\/Uffizi Gallery in Florence)<\/p>\n
On January 6, 2026, the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, will conclude the great Jubilee Year of Hope by closing the Holy Door in Saint Peter\u2019s Basilica in Rome. In Catholic tradition, the Holy Door represents the passage to salvation \u2013 the entryway to God\u2019s mercy which was opened to humanity by the incarnation of Jesus \u2013 the ultimate and supreme act by which He comes to meet people. Traditionally, Popes have closed the Holy Door as they proclaimed, \u201cDeus qui in omni loco\u201d (\u201cGod is here, everywhere\u201d).<\/p>\n
These words, which reflect those of Isaiah and Matthew, are the essence of the mystery of faith that we embrace as Christians and the heart of all that we celebrate during Advent and Christmas. They are both the foundation for our hope as believers in Christ and the motivating force of discipleship: \u201cGod is here, everywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n
In his homily for the First Sunday of Advent, Pope Leo reflected on the reality of God\u2019s abiding presence in our lives, upon the hope that is ours through the incarnation and the responsibility incumbent upon all believers to live in the spirit of Christ\u2019s redemptive love.<\/p>\n
The Holy Father said, \u201cThe fruits of God\u2019s action in our lives are a gift not only for us, but for everyone \u2026 serving as a reminder that the joy of goodness is contagious \u2026 We find in them an invitation to renew the power of our own witness of faith. Saint John Chrysostom spoke of the allure of holiness as a sign more eloquent than many miracles. He said: \u2018The miracle happens and passes, but the Christian life remains and continually edifies \u2026 Let us therefore watch over ourselves, so that we may also benefit others.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
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The Nativity is depicted in this 16th-century painting by Italian artist Lorenzo Lotto. The feast of the Nativity of Christ, a holy day of obligation, is celebrated Dec. 25. (CNS\/Bridgeman Images) Editors: For editorial use in print and online through Jan. 18, 2020. No use is permitted after Jan. 18, 2020.<\/p>\n
The Holy Father concluded, \u201cIf we truly want to help the people we meet, let us keep watch over ourselves by cultivating our faith with prayer and with the sacraments, living it consistently in charity, and casting off works of darkness and putting on the armor of light.\u201d <\/p>\n
Sadly, however, while we are quick to embrace the hope that we are given through the birth of Jesus, we are often reluctant to heed his invitation to authentic discipleship. We fail to make as our own the message of salvation proclaimed throughout the ages by the life, love, mercy, and forgiveness of Jesus. We\u2019re reluctant to heed Jesus\u2019 invitation to walk in his footsteps. We wonder why we are unsettled and peace in our lives, our homes and our world seem so elusive. We question why God can\u2019t provide us with a way out of suffering and pain in Ukraine, in the Middle East, in Nigeria, at our borders, in the lives of our immigrant sisters and brothers, in our neighborhoods, in our families and in our hearts. And we miss the treasure that has been given to each of us through faith. <\/p>\n
My friends, for all the upheaval that we confront in our lives, the good news and blessing of Christmas is that \u201cGod is here, everywhere.\u201d He has already provided us a way forward with hope if we are wise and humble enough to trust in his presence, to embrace the message of salvation born in Bethlehem, and to walk with him as faithful disciples, making the pattern of his life our own for the sake of a broken world. <\/p>\n
During these cherished days, may we give thanks for countless numbers of blessings. May we pray for peace in our world and in our hearts. And may we open our lives to the grace and mercy of God won for us through the child named Emmanuel \u2013 God with us! <\/p>\n
With gratitude for the privilege of serving as your Bishop and with prayers for a holy and blessed Christmas for you, your family and all you hold dear, I am<\/p>\n
Faithfully yours in Christ,<\/p>\n
Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L.
Bishop of Scranton<\/p>\n
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