Dearly Beloved,

Two millennia have passed since the day when simple shepherds encountered the newborn Jesus in Bethlehem. In this season of hope, we too have been invited to go to Bethlehem and find the Christ in a manger. Amid the decorations and celebrations, the opportunity to encounter the living God is before us once again.

We encounter Christ in the Holy Scripture. We read the story of His Nativity in the Gospels 
of Saint Matthew and Saint Luke. We read the prophesies of His arrival in the Old Testament where we encounter the hopes of a people for a Savior, and their fulfillment in the birth of 
Jesus. In the scriptures, we see how God Himself appears on earth so that humanity may 
have fellowship with the Most High God. And we read His name is Emmanuel, which means, “God with us” Matthew 1:23.

We meet the newborn Christ in our churches, joining with our fellow parishioners and community in the liturgical services of this Festival. The story of Nativity will be repeated in the hymns and the readings. But more than tell us a familiar story, we will hear the meaning of the Feast: Christ is born and heaven and earth are united. As Saint Athanasios the Great said, “God became human so that humans could become God.” In the Liturgy, we meet Christ most directly and personally in the Holy Eucharist, receiving Him for the salvation of our souls and bodies.

We encounter the newborn Christ when we extend ourselves beyond ourselves and reach out to those in need through our service and philanthropy. Who among us has not been moved by the ongoing suffering of Christians in the Middle East, Africa and Asia? Who among us has not been troubled by the injustice and inequality in our society? These are opportunities for each of us to search our souls and extend our assistance to the voiceless, the powerless, and the oppressed.

We encounter Christ in our families and loved ones, especially the encounter of the young and the old. As we prepare for the Feast in our homes, use these moments to share experiences and memories, and listen to one another's hopes and joys. The greatest gift we can give to others in these days is the gift of our time and presence.

One of the most beautiful of Christmas carols is “O Come, All Ye Faithful”. The lyrics invite 
us to be like the shepherds and go to the place where Christ is encountered so that we may adore Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Bethlehem is always before us, in our homes, in our neighborhoods, and in our churches. In these joyous days of Christmas, seek Bethlehem and encounter the newborn King.

May the Love and Grace of our Savior, be with you and your loved ones this Holy Season of Nativity.

Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

With Love in Our Incarnate Lord,
+ G E R A S I M O S
Metropolitan of San Francisco