Christmas

By Sister Mary Jeanne Oesterle, President, Walsingham Academy

As we prepare for one of the most beautiful and joyful times of the year, we each stop in our own way to reflect, remember and celebrate the birth of Christ.

In Luke 2, we read the words, “I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the City of David a Savior who is the Messiah, the Lord.” A humble maiden’s willingness to serve as the Mother of God changed the world for all times. Though she did not understand what the words of the angel Gabriel meant when he appeared to her in Nazareth, she said ‘Yes’ to the will of God. There was such simplicity in this birth and in the first visitors to the child Jesus; at the same time, such a glorious and magnificent display of love. All of Heaven rejoiced, singing “A Savior has been born to us, He is Christ the Lord.”

Many of us spend weeks preparing for Christmas, both spiritually and physically. During the Advent season, we are challenged spiritually to be Advent people for ourselves and others to prepare for the coming of God’s Word Made Flesh. In the busyness around us, we are called to pause and take a few quiet moments to ask God’s grace to help us prepare for the arrival of the Lord. This time, when we take it, is a gift.

There is such beauty and excitement in preparing for Christmas. We who teach young people see it in their eyes each day as the glorious feast approaches. We see the joy in making it a special time for those around us. We see it in the sheer happiness of young people reenacting the first Christmas, realizing that they are deeply loved by God. Their demonstrations of faith and understanding of this celebration is God’s special gift to each of us.

Christmas can become so filled with crossing items off our ‘To-Do’ lists, yet each of us know that we are celebrating the greatest gift of love, hope, peace and joy the world has ever received. We celebrate because over two thousand years ago, in a tiny little village in a remote part of the world, a child was born to save us, to teach us the greatest lesson of all: that each of us is truly loved by God. The child born that special night came to change the world forever; this child, God With Us.

“Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2, 10-11.

May each of us have a beautiful Christmas filled with hope, ever mindful to share this gift of love with one another.

Merry Christmas

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Sister Mary Jeanne Oesterle

President of Walsingham Academy

Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, Sister Mary Jeanne Oesterle attended Catholic school from Kindergarten through university. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from Gwynedd Mercy College, a master’s degree in Education Administration from Bloomsburg University, and received administrative certification from Fairfield University.

Sr. Mary Jeanne began her career in education in 1967 as a teacher of both elementary and mentally challenged students. For over thirty years, she has served as an education administrator in a number of fine Mercy schools. Her passion is working with and ministering to young people in their formative years.

Sr. Mary Jeanne joined Walsingham Academy in 1990; she served fourteen years as Principal of the Walsingham Academy Lower School before her appointment as President of the Academy in 2004.

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