An Invitation This Christmas

Dear Friend,

Merry Christmas!

You are receiving this letter because of the sermon I heard preached this past weekend at Mass at St. Raymond Church.  Our Pastor, Father Chris Walsh, preached on Matthew 3: 1-12, a part of the Gospel that is about the role of John the Baptist.  As you know, John was Jesus’ cousin and was given the job of preparing the way for Jesus.  John believed that Jesus was Lord and Savior and wanted everyone to have a relationship with him.  In the sermon, Father Chris challenged the congregation to be like John the Baptist and help someone in our life reconnect with Jesus Christ and the Church.

I am happy that you are in my life.  You are a good person and have been a real blessing to me.  As wonderful as your life has been, I believe it could be even better if you developed your relationship with Jesus Christ and the Church.  We all have lots of things that keep us from attending church each week; God knows it is a challenge for me at times too!  I guess at times we all need a “John the Baptist” to remind us that our time with Jesus is really what matters most in the end.

I am not sending you this letter to tell you what to do.  It is an invitiation.  An invitiation to celebrate Christmas in a way that matters most–not with decorations, cookies and gifts–but by focusing on Jesus Christ who came to save us from sin and give us a peace and joy that nothing in this world can give.  Please make a real effort to go to Church this year at Christmas.  If you have a church that nourishes your soul, great, go there!  If you are looking for a new church home, please know that I would love to bring you with me to St. Raymond for Mass on Christmas Eve at 7 p.m. or on Christmas Day at 10 a.m. but can’t as I will be out of town this year.  Of course you are welcome to join us every weekend of the year as well, Saturday nights at 5 p.m. and Sundays at 10 a.m.  Everyone is always welcome at St. Raymond; it is one of the things that make it such a special place for me.

If you want to talk about this letter, let me know.  If you want to pretend you never got it; that is fine too.  If you would like to speak with Father Chris, he said you can call him at (215) 549-3760 and he would be honored to speak with you about your relationship with the Lord.  As I get ready for Christmas, you will remain in my prayers.  I pray that St. John the Baptist will continue to point out Jesus to all of us, knowing that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life!

With love,

Robert

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