a sermon from Fr. Nathan
“A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.” These words from *O Holy Night* capture the deep longing of humanity. We live in a world marked by division, violence, and cycles of self-destruction. Many of us feel the weight of brokenness—not only in society but within ourselves. Yet into this darkness, a light has come.
The Gospel of John reminds us: *In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.* All things exist through Christ, and every life depends on Him. This truth changes everything. When we recognize that God is not distant but present—Emmanuel, God with us—we begin to see who He truly is and who we are meant to be.
The incarnation reveals God’s love and mercy. Jesus came not to condemn but to forgive, to restore relationships fractured by sin. When we believe in His name, we experience healing and peace. This transforms how we live: mercy replaces judgment, forgiveness replaces resentment, and love becomes the foundation of community.
The message of Christmas is not sentimental—it is revolutionary. Christ breaks chains of oppression, calls us to love one another, and invites us into a family where there is no “us” and “them,” only “us.” His law is love, His gospel is peace. When we live in this light, we become witnesses of hope in a weary world.
Christ the babe is Lord of all. Christ the babe was born for you. This is the truth that changes everything.