On Friday, December 12 my 98-year-old godmother, Sally, passed away. A cousin on my mom’s side of the family, “Aunt Sally” held me on my baptism day, celebrated with me on my First Communion and Confirmation days, and prayed at my ordination where I was able to give her a “first blessing.” I brought her Communion when she was homebound, anointed her when she was sick, and gave her the last rites of the Church the day before she died. She was faithful, kind, and strong. As I thought about those sacramental moments with Aunt Sally, my mind went back to my childhood and that Christmas spirit we experience in these days before the Nativity. Sally always spent Christmas with me, and her stories and her smile contributed to the joy of the day. I know that my childlike anticipation of Christmas is nothing compared to Aunt Sally’s anticipation of meeting the Lord Jesus face-to-face in the Kingdom of Heaven.
The holidays are difficult for those who have lost loved ones. Our faith helps us to heal as we consider the exquisite story of God loving the world and sending his own son to forgive our sins, teach us that death does not have the last word, sustain us with his sacramental grace, and walk with us through every joy and sorrow. Christmas restores our hope for a bright future because it reminds us that everything that is good and holy and hopeful came as a baby born in Bethlehem.
Just days after Sally’s passing we had our parish annual Advent and Christmas concert. Dr. John selected the theme of “hope”, and the concert and its message were exactly what we all needed. The program was truly splendid, thoughtful, and perfectly executed. A special treat was a new piece composed by Nancy Leville and some of her collaborators. (Nancy is one of our cantors and the director of our children’s choirs.) Our adult choir and soloists were spectacular, and our “Choir and Religion” students truly demonstrated their musical gifts. The orchestra added the richness and drama that helped us to imagine that starry night in Bethlehem. On the same day, our Christmas Stars adventure was running smoothly, despite weather challenges. Your generosity lifted 300 stars from the trees in the narthex, creating joyful Christmas mornings for more families than ever in the history of this opportunity, while helping our brothers and sisters in need. Sunday was wrapped in the mantle of Gaudete (Rejoice!): our vestments were a light rose color, giving us a break from the dark violet of the other Sundays of Advent. Our rejoicing came from our anticipation of Christmas and the truth that Christ is ALWAYS in our midst.
As I was completing this column, Gregg and Judy and the team at Gregg’s Landscaping were putting their finishing touches on our beautiful church decorations. Wait until you see! As I beheld all that beauty, I took a big sigh and gave thanks to God for the gift of Aunt Sally, for the gift of music, for the generosity of so many of you who love the poor, and for God’s tremendous love for all of us in sending his Son to bring hope and healing to our world. And from my heart, I am truly grateful for the gift of all of you. May you have a joyful and blessed Christmas!
Yours in Christ,
