Bishop's Christmas Letter

By Bishop Paul S. Loverde
Special to the HERALD
(From the Issue of Dec. 19, 2002)

Christmas 2002

 Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ Jesus,

In our journey towards Christmas, we have been experiencing much darkness. Scandals within the Church, violence in the land where Christ was born, terrorism stalking our waking hours and even our sleep, the threat of war in Iraq: all these envelop us with gloom and cause our hearts to become heavy.

Precisely into this darkness comes the dawning of light and the proclamation of good news. "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone" (Is 9: 2). Yes, the light is none other than Jesus Christ Himself, God’s eternal Son become man. "The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world… And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us" (Jn 1: 9, 14).

Christmas proclaims clearly and unambiguously that the Light has come into our darkened lives. This light remains to free us from the darkness of sin and evil and to strengthen us with hope, joy and peace — gifts which only the Infant Savior can give and, in fact, does give to every person who opens his or her heart to Him in welcome this Christmas.

As we celebrate the Savior’s Birth, we again proclaim in the midst of darkness that Christ the Light has come among us. Having prayed before Jesus lying in the manger, we return to our families and neighborhoods, workplaces and schools, bearing Christ the Light and proclaiming "Your Savior comes."

I will remember each of you in the Christmas Masses I am privileged to celebrate, asking the Infant Saviour to bless you and those you love with the fullness of His peace — yes, on Christmas itself but also on every day of the New Year 2003.

Faithfully in Christ,

Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde

Bishop of Arlington

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