For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; upon his shoulder dominion rests.
Isaiah 9:5 (nab)
For me, the best part of decorating a Christmas tree is putting on the ornaments. Every family, it seems, has ornaments we cannot envision not being on the tree. They may have been passed down to us through several generations, or they may signify certain events in the life of our particular family. These ornaments are special to us, and we make sure they are in a prominent place on the tree.
Every year, we send you two Christmas tree ornaments. The one you keep has a prayer which recalls the true meaning of Christmas. The other ornament has space for a name and prayer intentions. Each ornament we receive from benefactors, like you, is a reminder of the intentions we pray for during the Christmas season. Our Christmas trees will be covered in ornaments, and we hope that this Christmas your name and intentions will be hanging on one of our Christmas trees.
We Passionists take a vow to promote the memory of the Passion of Jesus. That emphasis on the Passion does not prevent us from celebrating the joy of Christmas, as we remember the birth of Jesus and the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s plan of salvation! We strive to proclaim the Good News of God’s love in Jesus Christ to as many people as we can. Your help is more than just decoration on the “tree,” so to speak, of our mission. Your generosity contributes to the life of that “tree!”
When you send us your Christmas ornament to put on our Christmas trees, consider sending us a donation as well. Any amount helps us to continue our ministry as Passionists. We ask you to give what you can.
Regardless of the amount you give, your name will also be included in our Christmas prayers.
You are certainly a gift to us Passionists. Our prayer for you is that your Christmas may be filled with the joy and peace that the child Jesus came to bring to the whole world. We pray for you daily.
May the Birth of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, be Always in our hearts!
In Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
Yours in the Holy Family,
Fr. Michael Higgins, C.P.
Spiritual Director
P.S. Please join us daily in prayer:
https://passionist.org/category/daily-reflections