Bishop Jugis encourages people to ‘take courage’ in Jesus this Christmas
Bishop Jugis consecrates the Eucharist during Christmas midnight Mass Dec. 25 at St. Patrick Cathedral. (Photo by James Sarkis)CHARLOTTE — Decorations, songs and gifts help “set the tone,” but profound joy is at the heart of Christmas – joy that our Savior has come to help us and save us, Bishop Peter Jugis preached Dec. 25.
During midnight Mass to usher in Christmas celebrations at St. Patrick Cathedral, Bishop Jugis encouraged people to take to heart the angel’s words in Luke’s Gospel: “I proclaim to you good news of great joy.”
The angel’s joyful message to the shepherds – and to us – means “you are not alone. The Savior has come for you,” the bishop said. “The Savior is now here, so take courage.”
Masses at the cathedral and most churches around the Diocese of Charlotte this Christmas were being held in person and with fewer restrictions due to the pandemic than last year.
“Certainly there are many problems and difficulties, concerns and anxieties we face in our daily lives,” the bishop said, “but this day the angel announces that we are to have joy – despite those problems and difficulties, concerns and anxieties.”
“Jesus the Savior has come to help you and to save you. A savior has come for you, to be with you, to help you bear your burdens,” he said.
“If you are lost or struggling, take courage! You now have a savior, a savior has come for you.
“If you have suffered a family tragedy or sorrow, or your heart is heavy at this time, take courage – you now have a savior. A savior has come for you.”
As the Nativity story illustrates, Joseph and Mary experienced hardships – leaving the comfort of home to travel to Bethlehem, then having to seek shelter in a stable so that Mary could give birth to Jesus, the bishop noted.
Bishop Peter Jugis incenses the manger scene at the start of midnight Mass Dec. 25 at St. Patrick Cathedral. (Photo by James Sarkis)“And yet, despite all of that, when the child is born, all those difficulties take second place to the joy that fills the hearts of Joseph and Mary at the birth of the child Jesus,” he said.
“Joy takes over. True joy erupts in a stable in Bethlehem, of all places,” he said. That joy “will eventually embrace the entire world as the Christian message spreads.”
Bishop Jugis urged people not to let the difficulties of life crowd out Jesus from their hearts or their families.
“Make room for Christmas joy and gladness – today and always,” he said, encouraging people “to be joyful for all the gifts and blessings that God has bestowed on your family; to be joyful for God’s presence in your family, and in your home.”
He prayed, “May God bless your family, and may He bless your home with Christmas joy – a joy which comes because you know and love and serve Christ the Lord, who has come to be with you, to save you, and to help you always.”
— Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor, Photos by James Sarkis