It’s Time

It’s Christmas time.  It’s finally here.  


I drove over to the fairgrounds last night and as I pulled in I was wondering what was going on, the parking lot looked full.  It was our own volunteer ministry staff at work on the final preparations. The place looks great thanks to them.  This is our sixth Christmas at the fairgrounds and I am still amazed that so many people are willing to take time away from their own busy holiday schedule to help make this happen.  Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.


As always, I want to thank my own staff, whose commitment and talent humble and inspire me.  We have the church community we have because these guys keep knocking it out of the ballpark and, from what I’ve seen of the preparations, tonight will set a new standard. I love you guys and love working with you.


Thanks to our church members, for your support and encouragement and your faithfulness. I pray for you and am honored beyond words to describe that I get the incredible opportunity to be your pastor.


On this Christmas Eve, I also want to thank all of you who take time to visit this space.  I recently learned that there are thousands of you out there who are our regular visitors. Thanks for spending time with me here.  If you are nearby, please join us at the Maryland State Fair, Timonium and York Road, in Baltimore for our Christmas Services. You will not be disappointed. You will be inspired.


This Advent we have been talking about hope and that’s what I’m talking about again tonight at our Christmas Eve Masses.  Hope, as we’ve said, is different than wishing. It’s a supernatural virtue that is God’s gift, and with it, you can have confidence in the future. May God grant you hope, as you trust in him this Christmas, and may you enjoy confidence in the future he is shaping for you.


Peace, cheer, good will, and all the blessings of this blessed night.