Are you ready for Christmas? If I had a dollar for each time I have been asked that question over the last couple of weeks, I would be a semi-wealthy man (before taxes, of course). I being my polite self say “yes” or “as ready as I’ll ever be”, but the sarcastic side of me would like to say “Why, did they change the date from last year?”, or “yes, I went to confession, how about you?”. Nonetheless, ready or not, Christmas is upon us, and we will see the payoff to all of our preparations and running around as we gather with our families and friends and watch the excitement of the kids (and adults too) as they open their presents. And of course, amidst all of the activity, we as Christians will hopefully take time to mark the birthday of Christ.
Someone who is not familiar with Christianity and sees all that goes into our celebrations for Christmas would probably think that this must be the most important and significant event on our Christian calendar. However, I read an article this past week called “5 myths of Christmas”, and the author, who is a Jesuit priest, points out the fact that in terms of religious significance, Easter actually tops Christmas. The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is what gives us hope for eternal life with God. The author makes a comparison to a football season in that we could consider Christmas our “opening day” of the season, but that Easter is our Super Bowl. So as we celebrate Christmas and the birth of our Savior, we keep in mind that this leads to something even greater to come.
Of course, even in the midst of the Christmas season other news still takes place, and any article that defends the right of the Catholic Church to proclaim its teachings catches my eye. Last Friday the Bishops of Illinois met with Gov. Quinn because they were concerned that he was using his Catholic upbringing to justify positions on issues such as abortion and gay couples’ right to adopt children that go against the teachings of the church. Again, people on the outside looking in will perceive this as the church trying to force its moral beliefs on citizens, when in fact they were simply exercising their rights within a democracy to point out the discrepancies in Gov. Quinn statements as compared to the teachings of the church. Even though we may live in a growing culture that dispels the beliefs of the church, our right to practice our faith and to defend what we believe is the morally acceptable way to live should never be taken away. Here is the link to the editorial article about the Bishops’ meeting with the governor:
OK, now for what you really have been waiting for. I know its not the presents, or the cookies or candies, or the spiked eggnog. It’s time for Brian’s 3rd annual “If I had the power to give any present to anyone I desire, this is what I would give” list. Perhaps next year I’ll come up with a better title, but nonetheless here we go:
To those who wait on us at the K of C Monday lunches: a conveyor belt that leads from the dining area to the kitchen that everyone can put their trays and dishes on when they are finished eating.
To Fr. Gene: a Kindle or Nook that would be approved for use during Mass by the Vatican that would contain the new Roman Missal in the order that it is presented at Mass.
To new Cardinal manager Mike Matheny: a successful first year so those who criticized me for being so elated at Tony LaRussa’s departure can put a sock in it.
For Albert Pujols: I truly do wish him happiness in his new home in California, and I also wish his team success. How cool would it be if the Cardinals and the Angels would meet in the World Series and the Cardinals would drill them in 4 or 5 games! Booya!
For Cubs fans: I have wished for these people to see the light in the past, and my wish doesn’t come true. Oh well, you can’t mess with free will I suppose. Here’s to 103 years and counting.
For Rams fans: the acquisition of football players who can actually play football (what a concept).
For our parish: That the Diocese doesn’t come up with yet another program that we must occupy our energies toward and we can focus more on the needs of our parish.
For our troops: that our departure from Iraq and the beginning of our departure from Afghanistan is the beginning of a trend and our troops can spend more time with their loved ones, and that the casualties that we have become so used to seeing come to an end.
For our community of Chester: that the governor realizes the error of his ways and ceases using needed jobs and the lives of families as political collateral for manipulating the budget as he wants it.
For my mother: as always, anything she wants.
For me: I’ll take a year similar to this one – no health problems, no unexpected happenings and more and more electronic gadgets to go gaga over.
For our country: that our elected representatives work for the good of those in need – those in poverty, those who are jobless, etc. instead of being concerned with their ability to be re-elected.
And for all of us: that the spirit of the Christmas season touch everyone in a special way, and that the newborn King bestow abundant blessings upon us, particularly on those most in need: that He provide resources to those in poverty, healing to those who are ill, and comfort to those who have recently lost loved ones.
Next week I’ll give a little review of the year past and a look at the year ahead (yet another original idea from the creative vault of the webmaster).
My family gatherings are occurring on days other than Christmas, so my plans for Christmas Day are 9:00AM Mass, then breaking open my set of World Series DVD’s and becoming more acquainted with my recliner. Is that a great Christmas or what? Have a great celebration with your family and a great week. Peace.
