The people living in darkness have seen a great light!
(Isaiah 9:2)
Dear Friends of the Assumption Family near and far,
Each year we celebrate and retell the Christmas Story, surprised, amazed and stunned by this mystery which to some could be a scandal: God became a human, King of the Universe, born in a cave to a young virgin mother, with an angel’s choir singing to a insignificant group of shepherds. The humiliation of this mystery humbles us in today’s way of life. God promises us that when this day comes “the people living in darkness have seen a great light”
The shepherds stayed alert in the cold darkness of the night, watching their sheep all for the sake of keeping them safe and fed. Suddenly they saw the sky explode with a great light which did not help them much but filled them with fear. However, the light was more than a natural phenomenon. It was an announcement from Heaven that the Savior was born for our sake. Similar to the shepherds, the people who studied the stars and patterns of the sky hoped to become wiser. They recognized the light was perhaps guiding them to someplace or someone very special. This bright light led them through the darkness of each night and each day until they reached the birthplace of the newborn King who gave the meaning for their studies and lives.
Today, without the light, Christmas would not be the same. And yet, as marvelous as the light from outside may be, our society seems to remain in darkness from the inside. Although God is reaching out to us to offer an opportunity to discover a sacred path leading us to real joy, hope, and peace, we are still living in the darkness of war, injustice, fear, and uncertainty.
Allow me to share with you our Assumption missions that help people still living in the darkness of human weakness in the five Continents we serve. We are convinced that the help we offer, whether it is scholarships for poor students, a meal for the victims of natural disasters, building a shelter for the immigrants or assuring a strong formation for our young religious, we are making a difference for the better and spreading the word of God to all.
I fear too many will celebrate Christmas without seeing the light of hope in their lives. Jesus may have been born a baby in a manger, but He is Light from Light. He offers hope, peace, joy and salvation. In a world marked by conflict, Jesus invites you to extend His light further so that the people who live in the darkness will see a great light. Of course we trust in God’s plan and rely on prayers, but together we can be a gift of light for others by sharing our resources.
On behalf of the Assumptionist Retirement Fund, the elderly Assumption priests, students receiving scholarships, the immigrants, and the vulnerable, we would like to express our gratitude for your continuous and generous support. I believe your generosity will help the Assumptionists to light a great light this Christmas and throughout the year.
We wish you a Merry Christmas
and Happy New Year 2026 filled with great joy, happiness, and success!
Fr. Dinh G. Votran, A.A. | Development Office Director.
& the Augustinians of the Assumption from North American Province.
