My brothers and sisters in Christ,

Christmas is a wonderful time of year, a time when our hearts and minds are extended in special efforts to rejoice, and to share our joy and our prosperity with families, friends, and with those whose lives may not be as secure as our own.

But in the midst of these special efforts, let us recall the words of St. Paul to his friend Titus, words which place the remembrance of Christmas in true perspective:

"When the kindness and love of God our savior for mankind were revealed, it was not because he was concerned with any righteous actions we might have done ourselves; it was for no reason except his own compassion that he saved us..."

Truly, without this compassion, without this mercy of the Father in Heaven, our goodwill would be folly, and the charity of our hearts but a vain thing. But God, in His ineffable goodness, has come to visit His people, to make His second home with us, to dwell in our hearts.

We recall and relive that historic event in the celebrations of Christmas: Like the angels, we sing God's praise in our carols and anthems; like the shepherds, we draw near to the Holy Family by kneeling in contemplation before the manger; we follow the custom of the Wise Kings by bringing gifts, and we reawaken the dreams of the Prophets and Patriarchs in our own dreams for peace, and for the coming of the New Jerusalem.

But as the season passes, let us pray that our awareness not wane. Let us make special efforts this new year, not to let go the mystery and the true magic of the Incarnation. Let us pledge ourselves to remember every day, that God's compassion was not a breath that refreshed and then passed by on the wind of time, but that His gift to us was a lasting, living gift--a power, a grace, that comes into the souls of all who believe, and remains forever.

The sacraments of our Holy Church are the reality of God's enduring Presence, particularly the Holy Eucharist, where Christ thrives, and where He awaits us every day, with plentiful hope, and with unceasing mercy. May God awaken in us then, during this time, and throughout the New Year, a stronger awareness of His Real Presence, a new conviction that He is ever by our side, helping us to bear what life and fortune bring our way.

In this spirit, please accept my good wishes, and the good wishes of all the clergy of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, for a blessed and safe Christmas, and a bountiful New Year. And may Mary, the mother of all who believe in her Son, protect us during the holidays, and especially the men and women of our armed forces serving abroad. May we all, no matter where this Christmas finds us, know the closeness of the embrace of God's compassion, and the warmth of the family He has created for us in His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

In the Peace of the Lord,

Most Reverend John F. Donoghue

Archbishop of Atlanta