In 2015, Keep the Light On for CRS

The story of the Epiphany always seemed to have a little magic in it. There is a newborn baby, three kings, fancy gifts and, of course, the shining star that all could see. It was the moment when Jesus' divine nature was made known to the world. His world stage just happened to be a stable. In that humble setting, the extraordinary was made ordinary again. Still, Jesus became the light of the world.

We too can be lights of the world in our everyday life. You could be thinking of a problem and then suddenly—Bam! If you were a cartoon character, a light bulb would go on above your head. It's an epiphany. You gain insight you didn't have before. The dark becomes light. It's what you do with that revelation, though, that can make you extraordinary.

Children in the Philippines light candles during a house blessing for people impacted by Typhoon Haiyan. Photo by Charlie David Martinez for CRS

This month we will observe the fifth anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. The earthquake brought many dark days to the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. But it also became a catalyst for change and shed light on how we could work together to build a better Haiti.

Catholic Relief Services' long experience working hand-in-hand with the Catholic Church in Haiti has enabled us to make great strides in the past 5 years. Through our partnership, you have helped us rebuild St. Francois de Sales as a state-of-the-art teaching hospital and reinvigorate an education system for Haiti's future. You have also helped us lay the financial groundwork for Haitians to own their homes and supported our work helping farmers bring sustainable food sources to families while protecting the environment. Epiphanies became realities.

This week we rang in a New Year with merriment, confetti and fireworks. A change of the calendar is a good reminder that we can bring the light of the world to millions of people around the globe through our epiphanies. But we can't do it alone. We need others to join us. Thousands of shining stars are brighter together.

So whether by prayer, advocacy or donation, please keep the light on for CRS and the people we serve in 2015. Be the star that is always guiding the way on the darkest night.