Christmas

The theme for our Faith & Discussion Group’s next session is ‘Christmas – what it means and how we prepare for it.’  We are expected to introspect and present the result of such introspection, to share and discuss with the rest of the group.  And the discussion can be quite lively and enlightening, judging from past experience!

So, Christmas.  I got to thinking.  What first comes to mind?  Well, the practical things like getting the house cleaned – always a mammoth task which involves long handled brooms, mops and dusters and the murky depths of cupboards which are turned out with a will to the accompaniment of ‘ughs’ (something mouldy), ‘eeks’ (probably spiders), ‘oh this is where it was’ (something misplaced) and ‘you can’t throw that away’ (usually a garment well beyond its wear by date) among other familiar sounds. Then, there are the Christmas cards to buy.  At least this used to be on the ‘to do’ list.  Nowadays, its email, sms and FB.  The cards had to be written, addressed, some with a photo tucked in and mailed before the Christmas rush at the Post Office. Thankfully, I never made sweets but the order had to be calculated and placed.  New clothes? Not essential but usually on the list, particularly when shop windows tempted. Carols in the air either in the home courtesy the CD player, or at practice for the Carol singing rounds, or at the concerts that are a fixture every year – Catholic Gym, Alfy at the NCPA and the local Churches.  Closer to Christmas, haul out the tree, the hangings, the lights and the crib.  What else? Nothing much really, except to look forward to Midnight Mass and the parties that follow.

And that’s ‘Christmas’?

Not quite.  There’s Advent – the time before Christmas.  From the first day of Advent, we recite the Christmas Novena – a family tradition.  Though it is prayed just once a year, ‘Hail and blessed be the hour and moment…’ comes back word perfect. It is a memory, a link to and a reminder of that very first Christmas. There is also more to Advent than the novena and the wreath – another lovely tradition – but we are rarely attentive to this inner preparation when the externals overwhelm by ubiquity.

Ten years ago, I had written a brief reflection on Christmas as my contribution to the prelude to the prayers of the faithful (no, it was not used).  While going through stuff (yes, Christmas clean up!) I came across the typewritten sheet and I think it worth the sharing (even if I am in error and liturgically incorrect). So here goes:

Every year on this night, we gather together to remember God’s gift to us – the Holy Babe of Bethlehem who brought with him the additional gifts of hope, love and peace.  Today, when peace seems a forlorn prospect and faith in the promise of Jesus’ birth seems futile, we need to remember that gifts are only given; they need to be accepted and opened before they can be known and possessed. Each passing Christmas challenges us to open these gifts and share them with the world.  If peace and love seem to diminish, it is probably because the gift is still unwrapped and ignored. 

Gifting at Christmas is reciprocal.  And what better gift can we give than that of ourselves – we who have been ‘loved into being’ in image and likeness.  Perfect in God’s eyes.  We can bring ourselves to the humility of the stable and experience firsthand the gift of Mary’s womb, the strength of Joseph’s protectiveness, the shepherd’s simple and wondering adoration and, since I am an animal lover, the caring presence of the ox, the ass and the doves cooing in the rafters.  

And, by visiting the babe, we too will receive our gift.  All we need to do is open and share it.