Every December I feel a connection with St. John the Baptist who was the "Voice crying in the wilderness."  Fortunately his lone, strong voice was heeded by some in his day and I hope MANY since his day, including us, who are called to prepare the way for the Lord in our hearts and in our day-to-day lives.  I sometimes believe that I am a lone voice when I cry out:  "PARTICIPATE IN MASS ON CHRISTMAS DAY."  I hope it doesn't go totally unheeded, but given the numbers of people who normally participate in Mass on Christmas Eve, I get the sense that not too many people choose to put Christ first on Christmas by either going to Midnight Mass or a Mass on Christmas morning.  While I know there are practical reasons for people not choosing to participate in Midnight Mass (especially in Hot Springs Village), still I believe that no matter what might be planned on Christmas Day with family and/or friends, the plans could easily happen around, what I believe should be, the centerpiece of the day, celebrating the Eucharist with the family of God, and welcoming Jesus into our hearts in Holy Communion on the very day we celebrate his being welcomed into the world.  Obviously as a priest, the decision is easy for me to make (to participate in Mass on Christmas Day as well as the Vigil Mass).  My hope is that at least one person (or dare I say more than that) will read this and decide to participate in a Christmas Day Mass, especially if that is not what you normally do.

While many Christmas celebrations are done, at the latest, on Christmas Day, please mark your calendar for January 6, (Epiphany Sunday) as we will be welcoming the singing group "Voices Rising" who will entertain us that afternoon in our church at 3:00 p.m. with a "CHRISTMAS program of music."  Those who wish to do so, can stay afterward for our "Epiphany Crockpot Supper" and Bingo in the lower hall.  I find it refreshing (and I hope you will as well) to be counter-cultural and do something (like this) long after most people have moved on from Christmas.  It will truly be a fun afternoon and evening for those who come!