O Holy Night

One of my favorite Christmas decorations is an ornament that shows Santa kneeling before baby Jesus in the manger. For many it is a reminder to "Keep Christ in Christmas" and "Remember the Reason for the Season". For me, it also signifies that you can blend the more traditional or "commercial" sides of Christmas with the religious one. Putting up lights, decorating the tree, baking cookies, sending cards, buying gifts is all part of the big celebration of Jesus's birth. You don't have to forgo all the material aspects (although it's easy to go overboard). But, of course, if you forget the "reason for the season", all of that can feel empty.

This year we have a unique perspective on this holiday. To me our two kids signify the two "sides" of Christmas. Although we said last year was the first year Owen could really enjoy the holiday, this year is even more special for him. He is now talking, so he can voice his enjoyment of the lights, decorating, wrapping, crafts, and, of course, the opening of presents. He doesn't fully understand this Santa Claus guy, but he knows he brings gifts. (He also enjoys playing with the manger scenes and knows all of the "characters".)

To me Sophie is a reminder of the newborn baby in the manger. Sophie, like Jesus, wasn't born in perfect circumstances. I, like Mary, am left to wonder what the special beginning means for the future. At Christmas mass today the priest talked about how the birth of Christ was special, but not picture perfect or extraordinary; Joseph and Mary had to deal with problems in the ordinary course of their lives. We are called to do the same. Our daily trials and tribulations need to be handled with the same faith the Holy Family had. And that if we allow God to lead our lives, His peace can pervade our ordinary, and anything but perfect, lives as well. I need to be reminded of this often.

So on this holiest of nights, I wish you Christ's peace. Merry Christmas!