By Chris Quilpa

Happy holidays! Merry Christmas! May the wonder of Christ’s coming and His blessings never cease to make this Christmas Day for you and me a time of joy and peace.

Unto us is born a Savior who is Christ the Lord. May this angel’s message — this good news — fill our minds and hearts with that peace that only Christ can give us.

The word Christ refers to “the Anointed One” or the Messiah, the “One Who is Sent.”

The word “Christmas” is first found in use in the year 1038. It comes from the Old English “Cristes Messe” or the “Mass of Christ.”

On this day of the year, we Christians all over the world celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Son of God — “the Christ” — fully God and fully man: God in human form.

It’s that time of year when we hear in the Holy Scripture the story of salvation — how a fallen world longed for a savior and received God Himself.

Christmas is…a time to celebrate / and commemorate / the birthday of Jesus / the Holy One who came / down to live among us / to give us hope / to give us life… / a time to be merry / thankful and jolly / festive and happy / with our friends and family…. / a time to spread / the spirit of the season / the joy of giving / loving and sharing / of ourselves for others.

Gifts wrapped / and placed under / a tall, decorated Christmas tree / in the living room / or family room / where the fireplace is lit / giving warmth to everyone / gathered together as one / picture perfect family / reunion — in the spirit of the season / with joy, love, and peace / the giving and sharing / of one’s Self to others / that’s the best gift / we can offer / to Jesus Christ Our Lord / the true meaning of Christmas.

This fun Christmas poem is by an unknown author: “The funniest face / looked out at me / From a silver ball / On the Christmas Tree! / At first I thought / It was Santa’s elf / But I looked again and / It was just myself.”

Let us pray: “Lord, on this Christmas Day, in the midst of the joy of our celebrations, help us recall what is truly important about this day. In the midst of opening presents, help us remember the love that each gift represents. In the midst of Christmas dinner, help us remember that you are the source of all life. In the midst of family gatherings, help us remember that you are the fullness of all joy. And in the midst of Christmas Mass, help us remember the supreme act of love, sacrifice and humility that we celebrate on this Christmas Day, when your Son came as a helpless, unknown baby and grew up to be the life and light of the world. Amen.”

Christmas is such a wonderful time of year to renew our bonds with family and friends, by sharing the joy of the season with everyone.

It is a blessed time, filled with wonder and joy in celebration of our Savior’s birth. We gather together to share a meal, exchange gifts and pass down to family traditions to the younger generation.

Once again, this time of year, with our faith community, we hear and sing along with Christmas songs that make us feel humble and holy, hopeful and joyful, amidst a turbulent world. Such a solemn and profound hymns fill our hearts with gladness and gratitude.

Jesus is the joy to the world, the reason for the season. He is the hope and inspiration to many who are seeking for peace, joy, and contentment. The gift of God to all, He is our Savior and Redeemer, truly a Messiah.

Warmest wishes for a happy holiday season! May your Christmas be bright and cheerful and your new year filled with joy, peace, and prosperity!

Chris A. Quilpa, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, lives in Suffolk. Email him at chris.a.quilpa@gmail.com.