Jerome Novotny , OMI – Christmas arrives this year amid a world that feels heavy — news of conflict, loss, climate anxiety, economic strain, and a loneliness many of us carry in silence. Simultaneously, the season advances with a flurry of lights, lists, and unavoidable shopping frenzy, making it effortless to overlook the true purpose of our celebrations. Yet it is precisely in this tension — between the rushing and the brokenness — that the deeper meaning of Christmas can be found and lived.
In Sacred Scripture (the Word of God), Christmas begins as a story of arrival: a small, vulnerable life born into an imperfect world. For many, birth is a promise that hope can begin in the humblest places. It is a reminder that presence matters: Emmanuel, “God with us,” invites us to notice and be with one another — not through grand gestures alone but through small, steady acts of compassion. In a season that tempts us to equate love with purchases and perfection, the season’s truest gifts are often simple: time, attention, forgiveness, and a hand offered to help.
When the world’s problems feel overwhelming, Christmas calls us to counter them with practical kindness. Give where it helps most — to shelters, food programs, and local community organizations — and consider giving thoughtfully: gifts that reduce climate waste, support human rights or local organizations working for the weaker members of society, for example, the unborn, the elderly, or those contemplating euthanasia. More powerful than any object is the gift of presence: listen without trying to fix, share a meal with someone who is isolated, invite a neighbor in, volunteer a small portion of your time. These acts strengthen communities and serve as a reminder that no one should bear our burdens alone.
The season also asks us to slow down. Hurried lists and relentless marketing can drown out the quiet we need to reflect on and be grateful for. Set aside deliberate moments — a walk, a candle, a quiet cup of tea, silence with God — to remember what you value and who you want to be. Make room for reconciliation where it’s necessary; a single honest conversation can bring greater joy than a dozen wrapped gifts. Teach children, and remind ourselves, that generosity isn’t measured by cost but by intention.
Finally, let Christmas be a starting point rather than a temporary respite. The compassion we cultivate now can extend beyond December: advocating for justice, supporting sustainable choices, and holding our leaders and communities accountable to protect the vulnerable. If hope begins in a manger, let that hope inspire persistent work toward peace and dignity for all.
May this season slow you enough to see the light that still shines in the world and give you the courage to share it. Wishing you peace, presence, and the quiet joy that comes from giving of yourself.
May you have a beautiful and meaningful Christmas!
God Bless
Jerry Novotny, OMI
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Websites by Fr. Jerry
(English) LifeIssues.net – Pro Life Website
(English) Fighting for the Culture of Life – Fr. Jerry’s Blog
(English) Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate – Japan and Korea
(Japanese) Japan-lifeissues.net – Pro Life Website
(Japanese) Human Rights: The Road to a Happy Life – Fr. Jerry’s Blog
(Japanese) Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate – Japan and Korea
