A Christmas Message from Sr. Joetta

Dear Friends,

I want to share with you a poem that I wrote at the end of last year’s Christmas season.

Christmas Miracle

Christmas, who can make sense of it?

A tiny babe wrapped in swaddling clothes

Joseph and Mary standing in awe of the miracle

of life before them

Wise men that travel from the East to get a

glimpse of the King

A King but not a King of this world

A King who dies a torturous death on a cross

A King who proclaims a kingdom of peace

and unity

A King who enters our hearts so that we

Can change the world

“How can this be?” whispers Mary to the angel.

How can this be that God would send His son?

How can this be that he loved us so much that

He died that we may live? (Jan 7, 2010)

Right before Thanksgiving, I returned from my second trip to the Holy Land. This time I had the privilege of leading a group. It was good to walk in the land of Jesus again. I found myself being more aware of many things this time. While in Jerusalem I felt the urge to visit the Holy Sepulchre Church. I did this several times since we were staying walking distance away. I wanted to visit the tomb of Christ. But each time there were very long lines that I didn’t wait. I left a little disappointed. After returning home I realized I was looking for Jesus in the wrong place. Luke’s Resurrection Gospel reminded me of it, “Why are you looking among the dead for one who is alive? (Luke 24:5)” Jesus has risen and I was looking for Him in the wrong place. But I did find Him in the people of Palestine; the Christians and the Muslims continue to tell their stories of struggle. Nothing much has changed. We need to continue to pray for peace and unity in the Holy Land.

As we journey through this Advent season it is important for Jesus in those around us and not in empty tombs. Where have you found Jesus this season? Jesus is very much alive and all around us if we can only open our eyes and see and listen attentively with our ears.

My Christmas prayer for you is that you may find the Christ within so that you can reach out to those who do not have that deep relationship with Him.

Peace & Blessings,

Sr. Joetta Huelsmann, PHJC