CHRIST, THE GIFT FROM THE FATHER TO HUMANKIND

Julita SOCCOM Tawau

Tawau : Celebrating the coming of our Lord Christ Jesus in the Christmas season reminds us of God's grace and love to humankind. During this season God reveals Himself to us fully, completely and perfectly in Jesus Christ. 'Behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people, for to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.' (Luke 2 : 10-11)

Remembering the wonderful and meaningful moment some 900 or more  parishioners  attended the Christmas Midnight Mass on 24th December 2012 and some 1000 during the Bahasa Christmas Day Mass on the 25th December 2012.

Presided by Msgr. Nicholas Ong, Mass began at 9.00 pm. He welcomed the parishioners by saying, “I always believe that God’s blessings are upon each one of us especially during this very festive season.  Christmas is a time to give thanks and glory to our Father who has sent us a saviour."

He went on to say, “ Jesus is God become man and become the food for both the faithful and the sinful. God reveals himself to us as Christ, God and Messiah who brings peace to the world."

"In the Old Testament, laws came to us through Moses, but in the New Testament, grace and truth, that is Love and faithfulness came to us through Jesus Christ. With these truths we are called to proclaim the Good News about Jesus Christ our Lord , God and saviour." he said .

The Mass began with a 30-minute presentation of Christmas carols by members of the caroling groups from 8.00 pm to 8.30 pm followed by the Holy Mass at 9.00 pm. The  crib was blessed by Msgr.Ong preceeding the Mass.

Gifts, sponsored by a generous parishioner were presented to some 200 children below 12 years old  right  after Mass.

Chinese Christmas Day Mass ~ 25th December 2012