From The Bishop

“For nothing will be impossible with God.” Do we believe this statement from the Angel Gabriel to our Blessed Mother found in the Gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Advent? Mary certainly did. In the incredible moment of the Annunciation she believed and humbly entrusted herself to the will of God: “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” This is why Mary is the model Christian. She offers us the perfect example of how we should respond to God. Our celebration of Christmas can also offer us an example. We see how the words of Gabriel can become a reality. At Christmas the seemingly impossible can become possible. First and foremost we have the gift of our salvation: the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. What seemed impossible became possible in a humble stable in Bethlehem. We also see possibilities in the various ways that this feast is able to change the hearts and minds of countless individuals and heal relationships. We only have to think of Charles Dickens classic, “A Christmas Carol”, and the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge. What seemed impossible became possible. At Christmas we see great acts of charity and love. We see profound moments of reconciliation and forgiveness. Divisions are overcome and families are reunited. Many momentarily experience the peace we long for, spending time with family and friends. I know that this does not happen everywhere and that some people find Christmas to be a very difficult time; however, miracles do happen and the impossible becomes possible in the lives of many people. This can happen because “God is with us.” This Christmas let us open our eyes, minds and hearts to God. If we do this we will witness incredible things because “nothing will be impossible with God.”