For some reason politicians think they need to weigh in about the word “Christmas.” I’d hope they would spend a little less time on TV arguing about this and a little more time finding ways to feed the hungry and heal the sick. Perhaps they should pay heed to St. Francis who said, “Preach the gospel, and use words if you must.”
But before I accuse I should do a little self-examination. Yes, I grumble about early decorations and the commercialization of Christmas, but maybe I need to spend a little less time grumbling and a little more time bringing forth the true spirit of Christmas to light. No matter how hard any one tries they aren’t going to take Christ out of Christmas, after all it’s his birthday we celebrate and his mass we attend. After all, the noisy bells, the crowded stores, the bright lights announce something big is about to happen. Something special is about to occur. I need to embrace the excitement, not grumble about when it starts. I also need to spend a little less time on the Internet searching for the perfect gift and a whole lot more time caring for others and being thankful.
Luis reminded us last Sunday to ask ourselves “are we prepared.” Thomas Merton says what I’m trying to say a whole lot better than I, —
What is uncertain is not the “coming of Christ,” but our reception of Him, our own response to Him, our own readiness and capacity to “go forth and meet him.”
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