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Dear Friend,
When I think about Christmas this year, I’m reminded of the opening line from A Tale of Two Cities: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
For many people, this Christmas will come at the worst of times. I’m sure you know a family member or friend who has lost their job, is facing foreclosure or whose retirement savings have dried up.
 Christmas for these loved ones will have to be less grand. There will be fewer presents under the tree and fewer parties to attend.
Still, I believe this could be their best Christmas ever. Instead of being preoccupied with gifts and parties, their focus will be on remembering the true meaning of Christmas – the birth of the Christ Child.
You can help a loved one celebrate their best Christmas ever by sending them a special Oblate Christmas Card. These cards are a beautiful way to remember the true meaning of Christmas.
Also, please send me the names of the loved ones who will receive these cards so they can be remembered in two special Christmas Mass Novenas; one celebrated here at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows and the other at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
During this special time of year, I hope you will consider making a donation to support the Missionary Oblates and the people we serve. To show my appreciation for your generosity, I invite you to select a Christmas devotional gift. These gifts are a wonderful way to express the true meaning of Christmas to family and friends.
When you use your Oblate Christmas Cards, please know that you are sharing the love of the newborn Savior with poor and needy children all over the world. I pray that this is the best of times for you and your loved ones.
 Blessed Christmas,
Fr. John Madigan, O.M.I.
Oblate Director
  P.S. If your gift is $25, I will have a Christmas Votive Candle lit for your needs here at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. For your gift of $50, a Nativity Christmas Candle will be lit at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
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