With decades of clergy child sex abuse coverups, the Catholic hierarchy has given plenty of reasons to curse the darkness. But you have all chosen to light a candle. The bright glow of truth has revealed so much to the world this past year.

Survivors and betrayed Catholics can probably relate to the Christmas message in Isaiah Chapter 9. I was Google searching for something else and it popped up. That kind of spiritual serendipity happens a lot with Catholics4Change. Kathy and I appreciate how it has connected all of us and helped C4C grow into a community. This Christmas, we wish you the gifts of peace and hope.

The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light;

Upon those who lived in a land of gloom

a light has shone.

You have brought them abundant joy

and great rejoicing;

They rejoice before you as people rejoice at harvest,

as they exult when dividing the spoils.

For the yoke that burdened them,

the pole on their shoulder,

The rod of their taskmaster,

you have smashed, as on the day of Midian.

For every boot that tramped in battle,

every cloak rolled in blood,

will be burned as fuel for fire.

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us;

upon his shoulder dominion rests.

They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Herod

Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.

His dominion is vast

and forever peaceful,

Upon David’s throne, and over his kingdom,

which he confirms and sustains

By judgment and justice,

both now and forever.

The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this!

---