2000 years ago God came among us as tiny baby born to a poor Middle-Eastern couple who washed Him and wrapped Him in a cloth. We have since wrapped this miraculous gift of God’s self-giving in many layers of our own cultural traditions – trees, lights, tinsel, lavish gifts, sumptuous food and drink. Without these, I wonder how well we would value the gift Himself, for many in our world will not be able to celebrate this great event with any of these. Let’s pray a spirit of peace and joy will enter every heart and soul, and we’ll be inspired to reach out to everyone in need.   Fr John