A Christmas message from Bishop Tylka: ‘Let the light of Christ shine forth!’
The Nativity scene from St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria was loaned to the Peoria Community Festival of Nativities for the first time this year, lighting up one corner of the room. It was one of more than 750 Nativities displayed for the seventh annual show, which was hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had as its theme “The Prince of Peace.” Among the sponsors were Holy Family Church and St. Vincent de Paul Church, both in Peoria. The Sisters of St. Francis of the Immaculate Conception in West Peoria also loaned their collection of Rolan Johnson’s artwork again this year. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems and Shannon Reznik)
The sights and sounds of the season surround us. We are filled with joy as we celebrate the “Good News” of the Savior’s birth.
Throughout the Sacred Scriptures, we see time and again prophets such as Isaiah foretelling the coming of the Messiah. Often in poetic yet stark images, the prophecy portrayed God’s desire for us to be renewed in God’s love. Similarly, we hear the names that identify the coming Messiah:
They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.
Indeed, the name of Jesus — which means “Savior” — is itself a revelation of God’s love and care for us. Our savior is Emmanuel — “God with us.”
No matter how dark it may seem, light breaks forth. In spite of seemingly dire circumstances, hope lifts us up. Among our greatest doubts, the truth assures us! The Word has become flesh — the Savior has been born.
Yet no matter how dark it may seem, light breaks forth. In spite of seemingly dire circumstances, hope lifts us up. Among our greatest doubts, the truth assures us! The Word has become flesh — the Savior has been born.
What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
And so, as we celebrate Christmas, let us not forget how our world has been and continues to be transformed because of Jesus. Let us not lose sight of God’s love manifested each and every day in our hearts, our family, our Church! Let the name of Jesus be praised and let the light of Christ shine forth!
Merry Christmas — God Love You, God Bless You!
Peace and Prayers,
+Most Reverend Louis Tylka
Bishop of Peoria
