JOY!

Joy!  The sounds of laughter early Christmas morning, as children see what Santa has left.  Joy! Presents being opened, surrounded by loved ones.  Joy! Traditional holiday breakfasts.  Traditional dinners.  Joy! Friends and family stopping by to visit on this happy day.  Joy! Gathering after the big meal to play board games, enjoying one another, sounds of merriment surrounding the room. Joy! Christ the Savior is born!

Holiday Music

Christmas Music.  Some of it we have heard in stores for months. Even while out enjoying Italian food lately, I heard the common Christmas carols. It seemed so out of place. However, hearing a Christmas concert in a Church setting was resplendent. It was enchanting, hearing songs from all over the world. The concert ended with O Holy Night and Night of Silence. They deeply affected me. I was moved to tears. The words and melodies of these songs tell me why we do celebrate Christmas.  Having the image of Joseph and Mary finding a place to give birth to our Savior is a stunning one. How fortunate we are, to still have this vivid image, the son of God being born, saving all of us, sharing His Spirit among many. God Bless You on this night before Christmas.

REMEMBERING

Today is a bit of a 'gray day.'  A few inches of snow have fallen, with the skies promising more. I do not see any 'glistening in the snow,' as the approaching storm nears. It is two days before Christmas, when family and friends gather, bringing much conversation and laughter. But in a number of homes, there will be a sense of quiet, grieving over those passing away this year. In Santa Fe, we are especially hit, losing four teens at once this summer, due to a drunk driver hitting their car. Life has to go one for the families, but it a different kind of life now.  Nothing will ever be the same. Through our joys, let us remember all of those having sorrow, praying to God that they will feel the love and gentleness of the Holy Spirit as they go through each 'season of memories.'

LOST

 Recently, I was visiting with a 12 year old before Mass.
We were there an hour early. My teen was in choir practice and she had just found out she was too young to join the practice. I had approached her in my wheelchair, saying hello.
After a small bit of conversation, she volunteered she has a brother
out there somewhere, her twin. She has never met him, but very much
wants to do so. She had hoped to meet him this summer, but at the
designated meeting place, he and his current family never came. I
could easily see this is her dream, to meet her sibling. Sitting
across from me during Sunday Mass, I never knew she held this hidden heartbreak. As other young children arrived and jumped in my lap to get a wheelchair ride, Iasked her to push us to the votive candles. We lit one, hoping her dream will come true. May the Holy Spirit be at work, that someday
she may meet her twin, bringing her much happiness.