Blessed Christmas season to you!  Our season of celebrating Emmanuel, God With Us, last this year through Monday, January 9, when we celebrate the Lord's Baptism. 

There is an old story about a rabbi who enters into discussion with his students.  When, he asks them, can one know the night has ended and the day has begun?  Is it that moment, suggests one student, when you can tell the difference between a sheep and a dog?  No, says the rabbi, that isn't it.  Is it asks another, when you can see the difference between an olive tree and a fig tree?  Not that either, says the rabbi.  Rather, he says, it is that moment when you can look at a face never seen before and recognize the stranger as a brother or sister.  Until that moment, he adds, no matter how bright the day, it is still the night.

God became one of us to gather all of us into one family with God as our head.  It is a challenge to live this vision, even when, in our guts, we know it is true.  I think the best way of progressing in this vision is not so much by trying harder but by letting God love us.  When we feel blessed and know we are cherished by God, we naturally start treating others that way also.

Blessed Christmas season and new year to all.

Peace to you, Fr. Tom Krieg