St. Boniface Catholic Church
by Sue Beams

On the Fourth Sunday of Advent, at the morning Mass, Fr. James shared some thoughts on Peace. It seems everyone wants Peace. Especially at Christmas. We sing songs about “Peace on Earth,” and yet, after 2000 years there is still no Peace. There is no hope of experiencing Peace without knowing Peace in our own hearts. Jesus Christ came to reunite every human with God. Jesus Christ is the only source of Peace. Turn to God, make peace with God; make a space to receive the Holy Spirit.

Catholics throughout the centuries have been misunderstood, ridiculed, and criticized for honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is all right there, in the Bible, “Blessed are you among women.” Why Blessed? First, because Mary listened to the words of God, and secondly, Mary surrendered to the work of God. Not partially -- fully and forever. We are all called to become “blessed.” We must strive for that. How? By opening our hearts to welcome the Savior and making a space for Him in our lives. What better example do we have to follow, than that of the Blessed Virgin Mary?

With the holidays here, we were few in number, however, parishioners and visitors enjoyed the delicious desserts and coffee with Mass.

CCD classes will resume on December 31.

What is it about seeing the church, so beautifully decorated, that always brings a tear to my eye and a huge lump to my throat? There is something to be said of the traditions of the Christmas season. I for one, love the simple yet elegant altar, the bright red poinsettias, and the warm glow of the lighted trees. Of

course, the Manger is the focal point, and the Nativity set is beautiful. I am always transported to a time of innocence and awe. No matter how tired, stressed, worried, or torn I feel, a gentle peace settles over me when I enter those doors. My heart is suddenly lighter and brighter! The love of Christ can be felt.

At 11 p.m. St. Boniface was alive with the singing of Christmas carols, led by the choir. The choir did an outstanding job and it was wonderful to see Ken Webber and his guitar back among the choir members. The Christmas Vigil Mass at midnight, began with a procession (although the rain kept us indoors!). The congregation followed the servers into the Church singing, as Fr. James carried the statue of the Baby to its place in the manger at the foot of the altar. In his homily, Fr. James shared that the feast of Christmas is perhaps the only day of the year that all peoples throughout the world, irrespective os religion, will celebrate. From His lowly birth in a stable, to his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus Christ was not what the people were expecting. His birth brought an explosive power, the line of which is dramatized in the Holy Gospel. We know that the Great God of Heaven and Earth is our loving father, and we know that Jesus Christ loves everyone. We know that the Great God of Heaven and Earth calls us to be brothers and sisters. This is the greatest element of Peace. The birth of Jesus brought a new value system to a new world. The work of Christmas is: “To find the lost, to heal the broken, to feed the hungry, to release prisoners, to rebuild the nations, to bring peace among brothers, and to make music with the heart.”

May the Peace that is Christ be with you and yours in the upcoming New Year.