By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light…” – Isaiah 9:2
With that passage from the Prophet Isaiah, Bishop Mark Hagemoen begins his 2020 Christmas message, in an “extraordinary” year like no other.
“The pandemic has stripped so much – and continues to do so” Bishop Hagemoen acknowledges in his Christmas message, before reflecting on the meaning of the Christmas message during this COVID-19 year.
The bishop concludes his Christmas message with words of hope: “Well, we can’t celebrate like we used to this year, but maybe this means we can take a hard look at Jesus Christ: the babe whose birthday we celebrate every year. He does boldly go where no one has gone before – which takes Him right into the heart and messiness of our lives – in order to bring love and light … and which will take Him on the unique journey of pouring out His life in service: the demonstration of the greatest love the world has ever known – and this redeems, saves the World.”
Please note: Only 30 persons at a time can celebrate Christmas Mass this year in Saskatchewan, with parish registration for Mass required. Mass with Bishop Mark Hagemoen will be livestreamed at saskatoonmass.com and on the diocesan YouTube channel including on Christmas Eve at 4:00 pm (note earlier time) and Midnight, as well as Christmas morning at 10:00 am. Video streams will be archived so that individuals and families can pray “live or later.”
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