Christmas is a celebration of God the Father's personal love for each one of us.  This love is the greatest gift we could ever receive from God.  The word 'love' takes on a completely different meaning when we apply it to God.  The most unselfish love that we could ever have for another person pales into insignificance when we compare it with God's love for us.  Our love is limited and is therefore subject to change whereas God's love is of the essence of who He is.  He is love.  We could never stop Him loving us because of who and what He is.  He loves us as much today as He did when He gave His Son Jesus to us on the First Christmas.  His love never changes.  Every day is Christmas Day when we think of God the Father's love for us.  If you want to appreciate the true meaning of Christmas then through the power of the Holy Spirit you need to focus and concentrate on God's love for you revealed in the Infant Jesus rather than on your love for Him.  The more you become aware of God the Father's love for you the more you respond to Him so that Christmas renews your love for Him as your Father.

This Christmas ask the Holy Spirit to deepen your love for God your Father.  He wants what is best for you because He is your Father.  He will not refuse you anything you need to become a better more fulfilled person.  How could He when He gave you Christ and the Holy Spirit.  Christmas is a time for rejoicing in all God the Father's gifts to you.  In His love you will never look on Him as a judge and fear Him.  It is to show you how much He loves you that Jesus became human like you.  This is what Christmas is all about.  It is the reason why we celebrate the wonderful gift of Jesus who is Christ our Lord.

Hope joy and peace be yours.

Love

Fr Michael