Most Wonderful Time

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year.  According to the famous song with this title:  “It's the most wonderful time of the year.  With the kids jingle belling, and everyone telling you, ‘Be of good cheer,’ it's the most wonderful time of the year. There'll be parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting and caroling out in the snow.  There'll be scary ghost stories and tales of the glories of Christmas long, long ago.  It's the most wonderful time of the year.  There'll be much mistletoeing, and hearts will be glowing, when loved ones are near.  It's the most wonderful time of the year.”

It’s a wonderful time for the above reasons, but the song misses the core reason: the incarnation.  For many there is no Christ in Christmas.  There is no Christ in their lives, so why remember the reason for the season.   The words of our carols are not really heard, or if heard, they have no meaning.  Still, this song sneaks into our psyche that which brings God closest to us: having loved ones near.  

What will make our hearts glow this Christmas?  That well-placed kiss under the mistletoe always does it for me.  Children and grandchildren intensify the glow, especially if there is a need for reconciliation, and it is gladly given.  Many families need reconciliation of some sort.

Although it’s hard to keep the focus on Christ with so much else going on, such as the stress of getting ready for those loved ones’ arrival, we still try and often succeed.  Perhaps that’s why the creche takes on such importance for Catholics. 

The manger scene is a constant reminder that we should focus on the straw and hay, what it holds, and what it means for all of us:  “Hark the herald angels sing.  Glory to the newborn King!  Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.  Joyful, all ye nations rise.  Join the triumph of the skies.  With the angelic host proclaim: ‘Christ is born in Bethlehem.’  Hark! The herald angels sing, ‘Glory to the newborn King!"

What will we proclaim?  What will we sing?

Deacon David Pierce