To Dwell Among Us
“And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
“And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
Merry Christmas! ¡Feliz Navidad! Buon Natale! ¡Feliz Natal! Joyeux noël! Maligayang Pasko! Giáng sinh vui vẻ!
Today the whole world, and especially our Catholic church, celebrates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. These celebrations, while using different cultures and languages, are based on one historical event that brings happiness and joy to everyone who celebrates it. I find it very uplifting to reflect on the birth of the Savior of the World, the Son of the Creator of the Universe.
We all know very well the Nativity story that is full of humility. There is the modest manger where Mary gave birth to Baby Jesus with Joseph at her side. And to think that barely anyone knew what was happening that evening. Some shepherds went to see the newborn baby because Angels told them about him.
God the Father sent his Only Son to dwell among us. That means that Jesus, who is both human and divine, totally relates to our struggles and difficulties. In short, Jesus gets us.
I invite you during this Christmas season to grow closer to Jesus through the Gospels and the Sacraments that give us the grace to continue our pilgrimage on this world.
What can I do to develop a closer relationship with Jesus of Nazareth? Consider including that as a New Year resolution.
Dear Mary, Mother of Our Savior, guide us and teach us to grow an intimate relationship with your beloved Son just as you have with Him. We ask this through your Son’s Most Holy Name. Amen.
José Orlando (Landy) Colón was born and raised in Puerto Rico. His journey to faith started as a teenager after accepting Christ during a Juan XXIII weekend retreat. He has been a resident of the Tampa Bay area since November 2000. Landy is fully bilingual in English and Spanish. He is serving as Liturgy Committee chair and Eucharistic Minister at Resurrection Catholic Church in Riverview. He is also blessed to serve as chair of the Diocesan Hispanic Commission under the Intercultural Ministries of our diocese. His wife Judi and Landy completed the Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute program (dosp.org/lpmi) in June of 2023. They have two married daughters, and are the caregivers of Judi’s mother. Landy is a firm believer of second chances, that compassion and mercy are vital to evangelize, and that we should trust God under all circumstances.
