In all of our lives, even when the true messge of Christmas is still central, there are many, many important and well-intentioned things like marathon choir practices, arranging the church, and, yes, practices for the pageant, that distract us from focusing on the scriptural readings of Christmas. In Atlanta, several pastors of Christian mega-churches have actually cancelled all Christmas sevices altogether so that the many hours of preparation that are devoted to the planning of Christmas services can be channeled toward sharing the time and then the day with their families instead. Needless to say, there is MUCH controversy about all of that as people discuss both sides of that question!
In our Catholic tradition, I don't think that option will ever be considered. Our service, the Mass, centers on the sacrifice of love along with the readings. That sacrifice began with the Incarnation/Nativity and continued through the Crucifixion and Resurrection. Surely, all Christians understand that, yet, we still become so distracted from the depth of its meaning.
The second reading at Christmas midnight Mass is from Titus, Chapter 2, verses 11-14. It is basically a long, run-on sentence. The beginning, however, explains things to me. It says: "The grace of God has appeared, saving all" then "and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age." (Quite a mouthful, and it is only part of the sentence !) It does help me to focus, however, not on the Baby, but on the Baby Savior. I think that is important.
The most profound fact is that we all needed to be saved. We could do nothing to save ourselves. We still can do nothing to save ourselves although we surely can try to cooperate with God's continuing graces. It is all grace. This grace helps to train us, yes, train us. We still make mistakes much like the puppy we try to train or the athlete who trains in an attempt to improve skills. We must be trained and try over and over, through the grace of God, to live temperately, justly, and devoutly.
It all began in the beginning when there was the Word. We didn't know about that then, but we know now. For us, this Christmas, it begins again when we hear the Gospel proclaimed and the angel says :" I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." Finally, the birth of Jesus, the Baby King, the Baby Savior ! He is the supreme Gift of Love, a love for all people, a love that saves all people.
As we go about the final days before Christmas and settle down to enjoy the best Gift of the season, may we count on the grace of God to instill the rebirth of that love in our hearts and lives. May we allow it to guide our lives when we fall short of "being good" and may it help us to be compassionate and understanding of others who also fall short of perfection. The grace of God, given to us all the very day of Christmas, will prevail, in spite of the imperfection of the world. Let us remember: Emmanuel, God is with us! Merry Christmas!
(Comments to Lanie at lanieleblanc@mindspring.com.)