Hope is a Gift from God
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Hope shines brightly during the holidays. In fact, our traditions are a way to express hope. The lights on the tree shine brightly to proclaim Jesus, the Light of the World. The Christmas carols exalt our Savior, who brings joy to the world. The round wreaths made of evergreen symbolize eternity, renewal, and everlasting life.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Hope shines brightly during the holidays. In fact, our traditions are a way to express hope. The lights on the tree shine brightly to proclaim Jesus, the Light of the World. The Christmas carols exalt our Savior, who brings joy to the world. The round wreaths made of evergreen symbolize eternity, renewal, and everlasting life.
Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas are seasons and holidays that overflow with hope and joy. They help us to keep hope in our hearts and attract others to the hope we hold in our hearts.
In fact, with so many challenges in our world today, hope is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. If you struggle to find hope, I encourage you to focus more on generosity, prayer, and gratitude. These are pathways that lead to Jesus, the reason for our hope.
The mystery of the Incarnation, which we celebrate at Christmas, highlights the generous nature of Christ’s love for us. Jesus “emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness, and found human in appearance” (Philippians 2:7).
We can all live more generously by emptying our hearts of selfishness, pride, and greed. Then, our hearts will be open to receive God's love and mercy through prayer, the Sacraments, and a life of service to others.
We can all be more grateful by thanking God frequently for what we have and also for what we are lacking. God has a plan for our lives, and He will fulfill a great purpose in us if we surrender to His will. “All things work for good for those who love God” (Romans 8:28).
This year, as you spend hours picking out the perfect gifts for your loved ones, remember the gift of hope and share it with others. Remember the ones who are often forgotten: the least, the lost, and the lonely.
May these holidays remind you of the hope that is found in the birth of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, God with us (Matthew 1:23). He came to reconcile humanity with God, a relationship broken by sin. Therefore, participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the Advent season to renew your hope through the power of forgiveness.
Above all the busyness, make Christ your priority. In other words, value God above all else.
Finally, the Friday after Thanksgiving is November 28, the same day I will celebrate the nine-year anniversary of my appointment to serve as your bishop. The past nine years of my ministry have brought me immense joy. I have seen great faith, great generosity, and great love lived out through our laity, our clergy, and our religious brothers and sisters. Especially during this Thanksgiving, I am thankful for you! May God bless you!
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes
Bishop of Saint Petersburg
