May I begin with my favorite Christmas pun? Thanks. What did Adam say to Eve on December 24th? It's Christmas, Eve.
Elizabeth Toole relates a story about a quest her family undertook one year after moving to a new community. They found themselves in search of a new church to attend.
The first meeting was with a Reverend Coleman who told them that they could not join the church because too many families were enrolled. A new congregation was forming, however. "Perhaps you could speak with someone there," she said.
The next encounter was more fruitful, "We would love to have you join our congregation. May I stop over and introduce myself and bring the paperwork? We are still looking for a permanent place to have our weekly church gatherings, but we are delighted that you will be joining us."
Our first church building was a movie theater. So we began going to the movies after church, which took the place of breakfast. Pop and popcorn began to substitute for ham and eggs.
Autumn found us in an old, gray barn. "Jim, make sure the kids have their gloves this morning," I said. "It is really cold. I know we should expect December weather, but the wind seems brutal today."
Christmas Eve appeared. Robby, our second child, mumbled, "Mommy, do we have to go? It's too cold."
"Yes, honey, we do. It is Christmas Eve, and if we have time to wait for Santa, we have time to go to church and remember Jesus' birthday."
The old, gray barn was no longer just an old, gray barn. It had been transformed into a nativity scene - a real one, with a real manger and real sheep and a cow and a donkey. Hay was everywhere. The eyes of the children were filled with sheer wonder. Amid the animals were people. The woman wore a blue robe, and the man was in old, brown sackcloth tied with a rope. He held a staff, and she held an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes.
They were not just people; they were the Holy Family. They were surrounded by shepherds tending the flock. I don't remember what the music was, if there was any. Nor do I remember what the homily was, if one was given. I don't even know if we stayed warm enough. I do remember being in the presence of the true spirit of Christmas. It was magnificent.
One of my favorite Christmas Eve memories ever goes back to 1955. Mom and Dad and a bobsled load of children travelled the two miles to the country church, joined in the celebration of Holy Mass, and after we enjoyed the ride home with large snow flakes falling, surrounded by God's Grace in a winter wonder land.
The spirit of Christmas is found in the heart. Love incarnate started in Bethlehem, but needs to be reborn inside each of us. May your family find the love of Christmas this year and be in the presence of Jesus who is love and tenderness. God bless you and your loved ones this Christmas.
