My sisters and brothers, Merry Christmas. Feliz Navidad a todos. The event of Christmas remains a fact that we have to grapple with even today. As much as there are concerted efforts to distract us away from this event or take a different secular path for celebrating this holiday, Christmas is, in my mind and as I've experienced it over the years, one of the most revolutionary events that has ever occurred.

The One about Whom we have sung these past few weeks, Emmanuel, God with us, was born of Mary in the stable in Bethlehem. He was seen by the shepherds. The Magi followed the star that led to the place where He lay. The angel choirs sang their Gloria in Excelsis Deo, glory to God in the highest, at His noble birth. God - in the birth of Bethlehem, in the person of Christ - became also one of us, a factor in history and in our world.

May the birth of the Christ child be for us a constant reminder that the love of God came to us in a child. Now more than ever, when forces around us seek to plunge us into darkness through violence, war, inhumanity, lack of respect for life, we turn to the One Who came as a symbol of peace and life itself.

This year as we celebrate Christmas, may we remember those for whom Christmas is a distant and seemingly impossible thought because of civil strife, family discord, and illness. May the Christ child embrace the hearts of all and be a source of grace and peace to the world, as He was on the first Christmas.

May you and your family experience the peace and joy of this season in abundance. Merry Christmas to all again. Feliz Navidad a todos ustedes.

To watch the episode, please visit bhmdiocese.org.