There was something so wondrous about celebrating the Nativity of the Lord this year. After so many overcast days in the month of December 2022, and especially owing to a strong wintry weather event in the days right after the Winter Solstice, the sun shone so brightly on Nativity Day weekend.
When I attended Mass on the morning of December 25, the Church was filled with sunlight, and it was so glorious. It truly uplifted my spirits to realize that no matter how much darkness is in our world, great Light shines triumphantly.
Such a celebration is so great, that it's worthwhile to continue unpacking it, as I do for the Epiphany. This occasion reminds me of how former Ascension pastor Father Larry would compare his gifts to those of the magi. Using that model, I reflect on
Gifts I Gave
Gold: I gave my Mom and Abuela gifts of biscotti from Trader Joe's, which is a treat I know they both like.
Frankincense: Dan and Ann Ruggaber came to visit me in Oak Park on New Year's Eve. I treated them to lunch, eager to share one of the monetary gifts I got from the family of a student in my Religious Education class.
Myrrh: For years after my Grandma Dottie moved away from Oak Park, the Heinz family that lived next door continued to send her their annual Christmas mailing, and I enjoyed following what was happening with their family, including their daughter Naomi, one of my classmates in school. I took them a Christmas card as a gesture of gratitude for staying in touch with my Grandma through those mailings. When I took it there, I had the opportunity to visit with Naomi and her husband.
Gifts I Received
Gold: My Uncle Bernie hosted quite a feast for our family on Nativity Day, including lamb, and Scottish Dundee cake, which is something he encountered during his trip to the British Isles during the summer.
Frankincense: I received many wonderful gifts from the students in my Religious Education class at our final meeting before break. I was especially heartened to receive two handwritten notes, which adds a very special personal touch.
Myrrh: My Abuela gave me some clothing.
My heart is stirred as these gifts are reminders of the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ, Who, by His incarnation, has revealed the Love of God for all in the world.
By entering our humanity, He has sanctified our experiences.
And so we praise Him Who continues to abide with us.
20 + C + M + B + 23
Joy to the world! O come, let us adore Him!
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