Christ offered as Life for the world in the Eucharist is the best Christmas gift. (E-Pistle Message)

In these final days of Advent as we prepare for our Savior’s birth, we reflect how our Lord moves among us in our lived experience. In this time of the year, we take notice of the laughter of children, the embrace of family and friends, and the beauty of the world he created.

The church sets aside time for reflection drawing us into the mystery of Jesus at his coming, first as a child in the manager in Bethlehem and then his coming at the end of time. Though the complexities of the world surround us, let us recognize that in the Incarnation we find our ultimate meaning in being created in that same image and likeness as the baby in the manger.

I pray that as we enter the season of Christmas, may we be attentive to the presence of Christ who is always in our midst. This Christmas, I invite you into an ever-richer encounter with the Word made flesh. Christ present and offered as Life for the world in the Eucharist is the best Christmas gift.