In the December 23 issue of the Westchester Guardian
2010 Christmas Message: Have Patience and Hope by Peggy Godfrey
The message of Christmas gives us all hope for the future and for a new year. Fair minded people want peace and also hope for a better world.. The hymns ring out everywhere and the stores of full of shoppers. But again this year many people have suffered job losses and financial setbacks. Some families can not even afford a festive meal or have any kind of celebration. There are military personnel who will not be able to celebrate with their family and friends.
Christians and others all over the world will pause and reflect on the impact of a tiny baby’s birth. Born in a stable he came to bring “right and justice” to the earth. With so many problems in the world, including wars, men dying and the economy creating fear in people today, Dr. Charles A. Rizzo, M.S., Deacon at Blessed Sacrament Church in New Rochelle, reminds us that Christmas is a celebration of hope. People should have patience, hope and more important, a strengthening of their faith in God. “Nothing happens here with God knowing it,”‘ he said, “and our faith can help us handle these conflicts: the economy, war and tensions among people. We must have patience and continue our prayer which is the only thing that will give us hope for the future.”
Let this glorious holiday be an assurance to all of us that Christmas is a time of good will toward all men. Remember the words of Tiny Tim, “God bless us everyone.” Merry Christmas.