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By Chris Quilpa

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

It’s that time of year again, when the world rejoices for the coming of the Messiah! The world welcomes Him again in every heart that longs for, loves and believes in Him.

Thanks be to God. Heavenly Father, your begotten Son, Jesus, was born with much anticipation, hope and joy. As we commemorate and celebrate His nativity, dear Almighty God, bless all of us, sinners.

Jesus, despite Your simplicity and humility, you brought us the happiest season of all — Christmas! You are the best gift of God the Father to us, mortals and sinners.

In spite of our shortcomings, you relentlessly continued to knock at our hearts telling and reminding us to love one another as You have always loved us. You showed us what love is … the Almighty God, Your Father, so loved our world that He sent You down to intercede for us, to inspire and save us so that whoever believes in You and follows Your teachings and examples will have a change of hearts, and have a good, decent, “eternal” life.

As the Christmas holiday season is here, let us pause for a moment … and give thanks to our Heavenly Father and the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Let us continue to pray for our troubled world, communities and families, especially those who feel left out or behind.

Let us share what we have — time, treasure, talents — to help alleviate their conditions or situations.

This Christmas holiday season, let us try to make someone’s life a little brighter. With love, let us bring hope, joy, and love to others, too. Don’t forget, dear folks, our love radiates because Jesus lives in us. Our love of Jesus transforms us and others.

As we continue to enjoy and celebrate the holiday season with family and friends, reunions and gatherings, merrymakings, presents and food, let us be mindful that our world is still battling with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Let us continue to do our part to help end this coronavirus disease by observing health protocols, getting vaccinated, and/or getting booster shots if/when advised by our healthcare doctor/professionals. Let us be a part of the solution to eradicating this pandemic. Let us continue to pray and hope for a better, brighter future.

Jesus brought peace and love to our world. Let us do our part to be at peace with ourselves and others, to love one another just as He has loved us, and to help heal the world, be reconciled and united with others.

May your holidays and beyond be blessed with hope, joy, love, peace, charity and compassion.

 

Chris A. Quilpa, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, lives in Suffolk, Portsmouth and Chesapeake. Email him at chris.a.quilpa@gmail.com.