Christmas and Happy New Year 2023

On the occasion of Christmas and the New – 2023 – Year, we wish you, to discover the presence of Emmanuel – God with us – and to see the manifestations of his merciful love in every circumstance of life, as well as the experience of God's peace and joy. This little Child born in Bethlehem is our King and Lord. Just as He was born, the three Magi fell on their faces and worshiped Him. They offered Him great gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh.

But the greatest of them was their fourth gift: to bow down to the Child to recognize Him as God, as Creator and Saviour, as Lord of all that exists, as infinite and merciful Love. To bow down to the Child is to acknowledge His sovereignty over oneself, to confidently submit one's will to His law, and to allow Him to rule and act in one's heart and life. The meeting in the stable in Bethlehem transformed the lives of the Magi who returned to their daily lives on a different path, a path full of trust, into the presence of a merciful God in their lives.

And let us go with the shepherds and the three Magi to the little Jesus and worship him with reverence, let us recognize in him our King and Lord, full of mercy. May the celebration of the mystery of Christmas be for all of us a source of new spiritual strength, a strengthening of the relationship with Jesus and communion among us all. On behalf of Salvatorians Communioty in Canada,