The loving embrace of the “Madonna and Child” evokes the mystery of Christmas expressed so insightfully by St. Augustine: Jesus “was created of a mother whom he created; he was carried by hands that he formed.” We recognize that those maternal hands, strong but delicate, are the hands of a witness who desires nothing more than to share her son with others no matter how humble or how exalted.
As we come before the crib to adore the Christ Child this Christmas, let us be grateful that we too have been called and sent to be his witnesses. With the simplicity of the shepherds and the perseverance of the Magi, let us go forth proclaiming in word and deed that God so loves the world that he has given us his only begotten son. Gloria in excelsis Deo!
With every prayerful best wish for a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.
+Bernard A. Hebda
+Joseph A. Williams
