By Fr. Derek Swanson, C.M.

The season of Christmas begins with the celebration of the Eucharist at the Vigil of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas Eve) and concludes on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord on January 9, 2023. During this season, we celebrate God becoming flesh and choosing to become human, Emmanuel (God-with-us), the prophesized Messiah and Savior who brought salvation for all.  The Church encourages us to reflect on the gift of salvation in Christ and how we are called to participate in bringing about God’s kingdom of peace and love and the light of Christ to all.

St. Vincent de Paul invites us to see the person of Christ in others and serve them in various ways. During this season of Christmas, when we see a Nativity scene, a Christmas tree, and exchange gifts, may we be reminded of the gift of Christ in our life and how we, as Vincentians, are invited each day to share the light of Christ that is present in our lives with those around us by honoring the person of Christ present in people we encounter, especially the most poor and abandoned.

“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

–Luke 2:14