Pastoral Message for Christmas & New Year
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we continue our joyful celebration of Christmas and step into a New Year, I wish you a Happy Christmas and a Blessed New Year. In this season, we reflect on the incredible generosity of God, Who gives us not only Himself but also the tender care of a Mother. In the spirit of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, let us consider these gifts: the Gift of God, the Gift of a Mother, and how we are called to Live These Gifts Today.
1. The Gift of God: Christmas proclaims the wondrous truth of Emmanuel – “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). In Jesus, God chose to enter our world in humility, wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger (Luke 2:7). He who created the heavens and the earth became like us in all things but sin, sharing our joys and sorrows. As St. John writes, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14).
This is not just a distant story from 2,000 years ago. The same God who came to the shepherds in their fields and to Mary and Joseph in the quiet of Bethlehem now comes to dwell with us—in our homes, our workplaces, our struggles, and our celebrations. He is the light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it (John 1:5).
2. The Gift of a Mother: Alongside the gift of His presence, God gives us the gift of Mary, our Mother. On the Cross, in His last moments of earthly life, Jesus looked upon the beloved disciple and said, “Behold, your mother!” (John 19:27). In giving Mary to John, He gave her to all of us.
Mary’s quiet yes to God, “Let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38), remains a model for every believer. She walks beside us as a loving mother, interceding for us and guiding us closer to Christ. Just as she nurtured the Holy Family in Nazareth, she now nurtures the family of the Church. In her, we see perfect trust, humility, and the courage to follow God’s will.
3. Living the Gifts Today: The gifts of God’s presence and Mary’s motherhood are not just theological ideas; they are living realities meant to shape our daily lives. As we begin this New Year, we are invited to recognize Emmanuel in every part of life and to respond with faith, hope, and love.
Here are a few ways to live these gifts:
In family life: Begin or end the day with prayer together, even a simple “Our Father” or “Hail Mary,” and speak words of encouragement that reflect God’s love.
At work: Treat colleagues with patience and integrity, and offer acts of quiet service without seeking recognition, remembering that Christ is present in every person.
In prayer and community: Set aside time each day to reflect on God’s blessings, and join your parish family at Mass each Sunday to receive the Eucharist—the very presence of God among us. Consider participating in a parish ministry or volunteering in service to others. Living the gifts of God and Mary’s care means sharing our faith and our love with the wider community.
St. Paul reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). When we live this way – rooted in prayer, nourished by the sacraments, and engaged in parish life – we become bearers of Christ’s light to the world.
Questions for our reflection:
1. How have I experienced God’s presence in my life this Christmas season, and where do I need to invite Him more deeply?
2. In what ways can I imitate Mary’s faith and trust in my own daily choices and relationships?
3. What gift of God am I being called to share with others as I begin 2026?
4. How can I make my home, work, or parish a place where others encounter Emmanuel—God with us?
How might I deepen my participation in the Mass or parish ministries to live these gifts more fully?
Pastoral Blessing
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May His face shine upon you and bring you peace. As we begin this New Year, may you walk in the light of Christ, strengthened by God’s love and guided always by the prayers of Mary, our Mother.
A Prayer to Mary
O Mary, Mother of God and our Mother, we entrust our parish to your care. Pray for us, that we may welcome Jesus into our hearts, our homes, and our community. Help us to live with faith and courage, and to bring Christ’s love to all we meet. Amen.
In Christ,
Fr. Sunil Kumar Pallela