Advent preparations lead us to a loving encounter with Christ

My brothers and sisters in Christ,

What a wonderful time of year as we celebrate the event which changes our world forever – the birth of our Saviour. Yes, Christmas is such an important Solemnity that the Church says we cannot just celebrate it on one day, so we celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord for a whole week. Our prayers for the Masses, especially, reflect this as we pray the prayers of Christmas day all week, until the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God on January 1.  The Christmas Season will continue until we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, this year on Sunday, January 12, and we begin Ordinary Time the next day.

As a Church and as individuals, we prepare ourselves for Christmas all through the four weeks of Advent.  We respond to St. John the Baptist’s instructions to prepare the way for the Lord: repent, believe and do good deeds! But we have to remember that there was much more done in preparation for the actual birth of our Lord.  

For thousands and thousands of years, the people of Israel longed for and prepared for Christ to come. God sustained the faith and hope of the people of Israel through generation after generation. Through all the ups and downs of Abraham and his many descendants, in good times and in bad, in their own land and in exile, God slowly and meticulously prepared the way for the coming of Christ until in the fullness of time, His promise could be fulfilled. The people of Israel waited, and their faith was tested at times, but hope kept them going.

Jesus’ coming changes everything. Christmas is the greatest reminder that the answer to the world’s problems and our own needs as people of faith, is found in one person, the person who is at the center, the very heart of all reality. Jesus. The meaning of all our life’s choices comes from knowing, loving and serving Him. There is no substitute.

Just as we prepare ourselves throughout Advent, responding to St. John the Baptist’s instructions to prepare the way of the Lord by repenting and doing good deeds, when He has come, we can embrace Him with love. We celebrate Christmas Day Mass for a whole week, so that we can let it soak in, deeply and then the Christmas Season continues for several more weeks. 

Let us recognize the arrival of our Saviour and celebrate it with all our hearts. As we begin this great Jubilee Year as Pilgrims of Hope, let’s make an effort to share the hope we have from Jesus with others we encounter each day. Recommit to nourishing this hope through encountering Jesus, especially in the Eucharist.

There is no thing, possession nor person in this world that can take the place of knowing Christ, born to us, and loving Him. May this new year be a blessed time for us all, a time of deepening our commitment to Jesus and being His presence in our world.  Know of my love, prayers and gratitude for you, and please pray for me, too!  I am grateful that Jesus has put us together on this blessed mission!  Blessed Christmas and a happy, healthy and holy 2025!

Most Reverend James F. Checchio,
JCD, MBA
Bishop of Metuchen

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Christmas 2024


My brothers and sisters in Christ,
  
Countless times we hear this lovely carol that so simply expounds the wondrous mystery of Christ’s birth – He appeared and the soul felt its worth; a thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices!

As Christmas approaches, my thoughts and our prayers turn gratefully to you, our faithful of the Diocese of Metuchen, who make our local Church the wonderful place that it is.  Your dedication to our parishes and other institutions, your fidelity to Mass and the Eucharist, your acts of kindness and concern, of caring and sacrifice, are truly appreciated today and everyday all year long.

Throughout this joyous season, as we begin this Jubilee Year of Hope during 2025, I pray that God’s peace will be in your heart and in the hearts of your loved ones, filling you with His Hope which does not disappoint. May laughter, friendships and good cheer be yours in abundance in this joyous season and may your spirit be renewed by God’s love born among us!  Know of my love, prayers and gratitude for you and please remember to pray for me!


Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA
Bishop of Metuchen