Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2020! On this Feast of the Epiphany we come to the man-

ger to see Christ revealed to all nations. The visit of the Magi teaches us that people can come to

Christ by a very long route and great joy comes over them in the presence of the Infant King. The

Magi’s encounter with Christ transformed them to spread the Good News to —to make known

the birth of the Savior to all nations. “The Christmas crèche speaks to us and (the Magi) of the

love of God,” the God who became a child in order to make known to all the intimacy he desires

for every man, woman and child.

Our celebration of Christmas is never complete without a visit to the manger-crèche. As we come to adore Him, we are encoun-

tering a God desiring to draw nearer to humanity. Christ ‘Dared to be more’ than a God of distance and mystery. He ‘Dared’ to

dwell among us and calls us to a deeper intimacy. Jesus is going to walk with us and bring us hope and joy.

I would like to thank everyone who desired to be more and to do more, especially during Advent and this Christmas season. Our

Giving Tree helped 31 families and 106 children to savor the season with dignity and many homeless men are more comfortable

with your donations of hats, gloves, warm shirts and needed shelter items. Our tree at Snellville City Hall for their Festival of

Trees was overflowing with our gift bags for the needy. All this selfless giving proves that we ‘Dare to be more.’ Thank you for

all your generosity and kindness.

Much gratitude and prayers for those who planned and participated in our many Advent events: Advent by Candlelight, The

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, our Christmas Pageant and Concert, Breakfast with Santa and the Secret Santa Shop and, of

course, all those who worked so tirelessly to create a beautiful Christmas environment for our church and grounds. Fr. Baiju and

I personally visited all our sick and homebound during Advent bringing us profound joy and those we visited encouragement and

hope. We are also so grateful for the many volunteers who gave of their time and talent.