A Note From Father Eickhoff

December 22, 2024

We often speak about the “real reason for the season” when it comes to Christmas time. We say this phrase as a way of reminding ourselves (and others) that the point of Christmas is not found in gift buying or gift receiving; or in family gatherings (however good they may be); or even in such lofty sentiments as “peace on earth.” Rather we proclaim that Jesus Christ is the reason for our celebration and rejoicing in this season of Christmas. However, just to say that Jesus Christ is the reason for our rejoicing is too broad a proclamation. While this is certainly true, our reason for rejoicing at Christmas needs to be more specific if we are to truly understand it.

This understanding is found today in the second reading of today’s Mass taken from the Letter to the Hebrews. Jesus Christ is not born amongst us to be an inspiring teacher or a wise instructor as to how to live our lives. No, Jesus Christ – the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity, the Son of God, who is God – has taken on our human nature and has been born amongst us so that he might offer himself as a sacrifice upon the cross that will take away the sins of the human race once and for all for all who accept Him as Lord. We celebrate at Christmas the beginning of the final stage of our salvation. The earlier stage is God’s revelation to the Jewish people through the prophets. With the birth of Christ, the final stage begins in which the previous revelation is summed up and expanded upon. The culmination of this final stage will occur at Easter when Christ – having offered Himself upon the cross as a sacrifice for our sins – will rise triumphant from the grave showing Himself the master of sin and death and demonstrating for us that His sacrifice is truly effective. If you believe that Christmas marks the beginning of our freedom from sin and death you can hardly not rejoice.

I wrote out a lengthy description of the likely availability of seating for the Christmas Masses in the Flocknote that went out last week and this week. I will summarize it here:

Christmas Eve 4pm Mass – Very crowded, standing room only. If you want a seat, be sure to come EARLY (at least 30 minutes early, but 45 minutes early to be safe).

Christmas Eve 6pm Mass – Not crowded at all. Easy seating even if you come right at 6pm.

Christmas Eve 10pm Mass – Will be full, but everyone should be able to find a seat even if it is right next to another person. Come early for the prelude music.

Christmas Day 8am Mass – Not crowded at all. Easy seating even if you come right at 8am.

Christmas Day 10am Mass – Will be full. Possible standing room only. To be sure of having a seat it will be wise to come 15 minutes early.

 

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Stephen Eickhoff
Pastor