Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church
Hot Springs Village, Arkansas
Most of us are aware of the campaign to "Keep Christ in Christmas" which is supported strongly by the Knights of Columbus through billboards and decals for the back of our cars.  This effort is clearly pointed at the secularism of Christmas that can easily distract us from the main reason we have this holiday, to commemorate and celebrate Christ's birth.

In recent years I have tried to promote "Keeping Christ ON Christmas" by encouraging parishioners to put Christ FIRST ON Christmas by participating in one of the Masses on Christmas Day.  Since we are NOT planning to have a midnight Mass this year, our Masses on Christmas Day will be at 8:00 and 10:00 a.m.

Due to the advent of Christmas Vigil Masses on Christmas Eve, due in large part to the shortage of priests, has led to more and more people participating in Mass on Christmas Eve.  In many churches there is now only one on Christmas morning (and often it is poorly attended).  Unfortunately, I am not courageous enough to have all of our Christmas Masses on Christmas Day.  You will, as usual, have the chance to participate in Mass at Sacred Heart on Christmas Eve at 4:00 p.m.

I challenge you to consider putting Christ FIRST ON Christmas Day by participating in one of our morning Masses (or a morning Mass wherever you will be for Christmas).  It will put everything else you do on Christmas in proper perspective - as secondary to celebrating Christ's birth with fellow believers at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.