I prefer to sidestep the whole "Christmas" thing by going to the heart of the matter. We don't celebrate Mass, but we DO celebrate the coming of Jesus the Christ, God's Holy One Who came to earth over 2,000 years ago. He taught in ways that none other has. He came to show us a Way of living by which we can please our Creator. He came to extend grace to the sinner (that'd be all of us). Only through Him may we enter into God's presence. And that, my friends, is plenty of reason to celebrate. So forget the crass commercialism. "Come, let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." "Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
So may each and every one of you have a joyous time of celebrating with your family and friends. And those of you who are going through times of trial and who may be feeling a bit dried out in your soul - you're not alone if you seek God's grace. He can help you through it all.
This is our first year in which the boys are both gone. And yet we are full of joy and celebration along with the nostalgia and longing. May each of you take time to remember "the reason for the season"!
In Christ, here in Pereira - just north of the equator and "suffering" through winter - just in different ways.
I just mowed the grass for the last time this year.
