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by
Victor Hoagland, C.P.
 Few
times are more sacred for a family or household than Christmas. Along
with the Advent Season, Christmas time is rich in traditions which,
despite modern commercial exploitation, still stir our hearts and imagination.
The Christmas tree, the manger scene, the music and carols, the lights
shining in the winter darkness joyfully proclaim the birth of Jesus
Christ and call us to come and adore him.
Christmas
and Advent can be a spiritual feast for those who live these seasons
spiritually. And where better to live them spiritually than in our own
homes and households? This site's purpose is to help families and households
celebrate Advent and Christmas in a Christian way.
Christmas
and Advent customs appear everywhere today. True symbols that they are,
the living traditions of the season bring peoples and families together
and connect us with our ancient faith.
And
they respond surprisingly to modern needs as well. The Christmas and
Advent seasons uphold so many precious realities presently endangered:
birth, children, family, the earth itself. In celebrating Christmas
and Advent, keep their message for today in mind.
In
a world where nature and our environment are threatened, let us make
our Christmas tree and manger scene reminders of the beauty and sacredness
of nature. How closely at his coming did Jesus bind himself to the animals
of the field, as well as to the earth and the open sky!
Remembering
the poor shepherds and the circumstances of Christ's birth, so marked
by poverty, let us make them reminders of the forgotten poor of our
world.
Let
the Child and Joseph and Mary teach us the dignity and importance of
children and families in a society so neglectful of them.
The
Christmas season's rich traditions come from peoples throughout the
world, from Spain, South America, Eastern Europe, and so many other
places. Let them remind us of the unity of all people as children of
God.
This
site may help you celebrate these holy seasons. May it bring you, your
family and friends closer to the mystery you celebrate.
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