Jesus–Prince of Peace

Fr Michael Rasicci’s homily for Christmas Day, 12/25/2023, Calvary Episcopal Church, Batavia, IL

Fr Rasicci began his homily by reading a letter written by the Patriarchs of the Churches in Jerusalem which included this quote from Isaiah 9:6. “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

The Patriarchs called for a cessation of armed conflict in the area. Today’s conflict in the area is, in many ways, similar to the conflict in the same area going on at the birth of Jesus Christ.

Mary and Joseph could find no room in the inn and Jesus was born in a barn and laid in a manger where both wise men and shepherds found Him thanks to messages from a star and the Heavenly Hosts. They, too, were refugees from the Roman occupation.

As Baptized Christians, we are called to follow Christ’s example and to become more loving in thought, word, and deed.

(Readings: Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 98; Hebrews 1:1-12; John 1:1-14)

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