In a recent homily at St. Joseph all’Aurelio Parish in Rome, Pope Francis provided three simple steps towards a joyful Christmas:

To have this joy in preparation for Christmas, first, pray: ‘Lord, may I live this Christmas with true joy.’ Not with the joy of consumerism which brings us to Dec. 24 full of anguish because ‘ah, I’m lacking this, I’m lacking that …’ No, this isn’t God’s joy. Pray.

Second: render thanks to the Lord for the good things he has given us.

Third, think how I can go to others, to those who have difficulties, problems – we think of the sick, of so many problems – to bring some anointing, peace, joy. This is the Christian’s joy. Do you agree?  

I’ve been praying a lot for the gift of joy. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I say it again, rejoice!” (Phil 4:4). Christmas is a profound reminder that we alone cannot create lasting joy; instead, God descends toward us to both incite and excite our hearts.

On behalf of all the faculty and staff at Mount Royal Academy, we pray that your families will receive the fullness of God’s peace. And may our school community radiate the joy of the Holy Family as we cherish all that God has given us.

Yours Truly In Christ,

Derek Tremblay