Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

The human heart longs to hear three simple words: “I love you.” Christmas is God the Father’s personal valentine.  
 
St. Paul tells us, “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” [Corinthians 13:1] Without love, we are empty.
 
We were created in love. In that image, He created us. Even when we turn away from God and denied the dignity He gave us, He still sought us out like lost sheep to bring us home. God so loved the world that He gave us His only Son.
 
Shepherds and kings were invited by heavenly bodies to a place of obscurity to view a child who would fulfill what the prophet declared, that God is with us. Because of His Son, Jesus, we celebrate Christmas, for with Him we are never alone, and we are forever loved.
 
This is the great mystery which we should never take for granted: “God, who is Love.” He chose to be one with us. This is why we always have a Merry Christmas, because God says He loves you.
 
I pray that you, my friends, know how much I appreciate your friendship. Some of you I have had a relationship with for 20, 30, 40, 50 or even more than 60 years. You have shared my life in a profound manner, and I view you as gifts from God. The newer members of our “Love One Another” (LOA) community have shared thoughts and reflections. You are the reason why we communicate every week. You are the family entrusted to me along with the experiences of my life.
 
You have known me as Jeromee, Jerome, Jerry, Deacon Jerry, Father Listecki, Father Jerry, Chaplain Listecki, Bishop Listecki, Bishop Jerome, Bishop Jerry and now Archbishop. To some, I am brother, cousin, friend, teacher and coach. Whatever moment of encounter we have enjoyed together, I have seen God’s hand in your presence.
 
Now, as we celebrate this joyful Christmas, I know there will be a time in the not too distant future, when we will gather together around the Holy Child in His Heavenly Kingdom and see in Him the reason why we LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Note: This blog originally appeared as the December 20, 2016 "Love One Another" email sent to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. If you are interested in signing up for these email messages, please click here.