Merry Christmas: A Legacy of Love
by Student Mary Coyne
Merry Christmas! !Feliz Navidad! Feliz Natal! Joyeux Noel! Buon Natale! Craciun Fericit! Frohe Weilhnachten!
Hallelujah, Jesus, the Christ is born!
As I reflect on Christmases past, most of all I remember the profound love that was so easily and generously exchanged on that day. It was as if the carousel of life was intentionally halted for a day… giving us the opportunity to be our best selves and rest in the glory of profound peace and love.
In a house with seven children, Christmas morning was magical: overflowing with excitement, laughter, joy, and so much love. What a sight to see at first light: the living room was covered with presents leaving little room to gather, yet we all joyfully squeezed in, squealing with delight. From an early age, we would make or purchase gifts for every single person in the family. It was so much fun picking out and purchasing small trinkets, bubble bath, books, or perhaps making something we thought that they would like… It was most definitely the giving that made it so very special. I was always happy with whatever I received. All of us knew that our parents did not have much money. Yet, we all felt so blessed. (Our parents seemed delighted as well-- even though they had been up all night, assembling and wrapping!) After all gifts were opened, we ate a quick breakfast, got dressed in our best attire, piled into the station wagon, and off to Mass we went. St. Raphael’s Church was always stunning on Christmas Day. The nativity scene, the gorgeous flowers, huge Christmas trees, and the glorious organ music seemed so appropriate to celebrate the birth of a King. The sacred energy filled the massive building. People were especially warm, friendly, and emanating love. Everyone sang the heartwarming hymns.
It struck me even as a young child. Things were different this Day.
Today, as I rest with Presence, and peel back the years, and the layers that hide the truth, I once again uncover the heart of the matter. Christmas was and always will be, despite all worldly disguises, ALL about Love.
What if we all could maintain that loving spirit each day of the year? Honoring the one who walked before us- whom we so elaborately celebrate on December 25th and yes, sharing His love by giving to those we love- as He did in giving us Jesus, the Christ? Jesus, the one who came to show us the Way to Love.
All around us we hear:
“Hallelujah!!! The King is born. Come, let us adore him. God gave us the greatest gift of Love: His son to walk among us. The “Word” became flesh—Jesus is truly one of us.”
The most important truth is that Jesus came to reshape human society and to bring about a new order in the world—the Kingdom of Heaven. He left us a legacy to embrace and what remains is for humanity to -albeit gradually- live the way we were created to live—in peace, love, forgiveness. The kingdom of God will come to be throughout this world… by each of us doing our part. Yes, it is difficult at times- very difficult- as we tend to get caught up in worldly affairs and/or interact with those who promote cynicism, hatred, divisiveness, or are entrenched in victimhood… We need to be mindful during these times so as not to merely react but respond thoughtfully from our Christ self. It is important to ask for help when we struggle. I know that I need this support at times!
During Advent, I have been asking myself: “How am I doing--what am I doing--to make this world a better place? To bring about the kingdom of God? Where have I fallen short? How might I do better?
During the Advent season, there is a spirit of friendship in the air, and in many ways, it makes it easier to reach out to others. Miracles abound as we touch another’s life with a simple note, a Christmas card, a phone call, a visit, a gift, an act of forgiveness. Yes, these simple deeds change the world for the better. The world needs us, even more than ever, to continue these acts all year long. It really DOES MATTER.
We are all called by God to accomplish His plans. Even though our lives may seem simple, and our acts, small, God acts through us to accomplish wonders. Like a tiny mustard seed, which when full-grown is enormous, our acts are graced by God and blossom. Love grows when shared.
As Padre Ron Roth used to say: “There is only one religion: The religion of Love.” Also, as Richard Rohr stated: “We worshipped Jesus instead of following him on the same path. We made Jesus into a mere religion instead of a journey toward union with God and everything else. This shift made us into a religion of “belonging and believing” instead of a religion of transformation.”
So, I ask for us all: May we transform our world with simple acts of kindness each day and walk through the kingdom of God in the footsteps of Jesus.
In closing, as it is Christmas Day, I would like to share with you a bit of Christmas history and that, in my opinion, exemplifies the wonders of God’s love working in our world.
In 1840s, Placide Cappeau, a French “lax” Catholic, winemaker, and poet, was asked by his parish priest to write a Christmas poem to celebrate the renovation of the parish church. He wrote: Minuit, Chretiens,” which was then put to music by Adolphe Adams, and the song was known as “Cantique de Noel” and sung at Midnight Mass. Though this song became very popular, it was later denounced by the French Church after learning that Cappeau was a Socialist and rumored to be Jewish, and was no longer played. In 1855, John Sullivan Dwight, a Unitarian Minister and classical music enthusiast, heard the song, translated it into English, and “O Holy Night” became popular with the abolitionists before the Civil War. Later, on Christmas Eve in 1906, Reginald Fessenden, a radio pioneer was experimenting with a microphone and telegraph. He transmitted the Nativity story according to the disciple, Luke, and then followed it with his own rendition of “O Holy Night” making it the first song ever broadcast over the radio. Here is a most beautiful rendition, my favorite, sung by Sarah Brightman. Enjoy! May the Lord’s peace be with you.
Merry Christmas! !Feliz Navidad! Feliz Natal! Joyeux Noel! Buon Natale! Craciun Fericit! Frohe Weilhnachten!
Hallelujah, Jesus, the Christ is born!
As I reflect on Christmases past, most of all I remember the profound love that was so easily and generously exchanged on that day. It was as if the carousel of life was intentionally halted for a day… giving us the opportunity to be our best selves and rest in the glory of profound peace and love.
In a house with seven children, Christmas morning was magical: overflowing with excitement, laughter, joy, and so much love. What a sight to see at first light: the living room was covered with presents leaving little room to gather, yet we all joyfully squeezed in, squealing with delight. From an early age, we would make or purchase gifts for every single person in the family. It was so much fun picking out and purchasing small trinkets, bubble bath, books, or perhaps making something we thought that they would like… It was most definitely the giving that made it so very special. I was always happy with whatever I received. All of us knew that our parents did not have much money. Yet, we all felt so blessed. (Our parents seemed delighted as well-- even though they had been up all night, assembling and wrapping!) After all gifts were opened, we ate a quick breakfast, got dressed in our best attire, piled into the station wagon, and off to Mass we went. St. Raphael’s Church was always stunning on Christmas Day. The nativity scene, the gorgeous flowers, huge Christmas trees, and the glorious organ music seemed so appropriate to celebrate the birth of a King. The sacred energy filled the massive building. People were especially warm, friendly, and emanating love. Everyone sang the heartwarming hymns.
It struck me even as a young child. Things were different this Day.
Today, as I rest with Presence, and peel back the years, and the layers that hide the truth, I once again uncover the heart of the matter. Christmas was and always will be, despite all worldly disguises, ALL about Love.
What if we all could maintain that loving spirit each day of the year? Honoring the one who walked before us- whom we so elaborately celebrate on December 25th and yes, sharing His love by giving to those we love- as He did in giving us Jesus, the Christ? Jesus, the one who came to show us the Way to Love.
All around us we hear:
“Hallelujah!!! The King is born. Come, let us adore him. God gave us the greatest gift of Love: His son to walk among us. The “Word” became flesh—Jesus is truly one of us.”
The most important truth is that Jesus came to reshape human society and to bring about a new order in the world—the Kingdom of Heaven. He left us a legacy to embrace and what remains is for humanity to -albeit gradually- live the way we were created to live—in peace, love, forgiveness. The kingdom of God will come to be throughout this world… by each of us doing our part. Yes, it is difficult at times- very difficult- as we tend to get caught up in worldly affairs and/or interact with those who promote cynicism, hatred, divisiveness, or are entrenched in victimhood… We need to be mindful during these times so as not to merely react but respond thoughtfully from our Christ self. It is important to ask for help when we struggle. I know that I need this support at times!
During Advent, I have been asking myself: “How am I doing--what am I doing--to make this world a better place? To bring about the kingdom of God? Where have I fallen short? How might I do better?
During the Advent season, there is a spirit of friendship in the air, and in many ways, it makes it easier to reach out to others. Miracles abound as we touch another’s life with a simple note, a Christmas card, a phone call, a visit, a gift, an act of forgiveness. Yes, these simple deeds change the world for the better. The world needs us, even more than ever, to continue these acts all year long. It really DOES MATTER.
We are all called by God to accomplish His plans. Even though our lives may seem simple, and our acts, small, God acts through us to accomplish wonders. Like a tiny mustard seed, which when full-grown is enormous, our acts are graced by God and blossom. Love grows when shared.
As Padre Ron Roth used to say: “There is only one religion: The religion of Love.” Also, as Richard Rohr stated: “We worshipped Jesus instead of following him on the same path. We made Jesus into a mere religion instead of a journey toward union with God and everything else. This shift made us into a religion of “belonging and believing” instead of a religion of transformation.”
So, I ask for us all: May we transform our world with simple acts of kindness each day and walk through the kingdom of God in the footsteps of Jesus.
In closing, as it is Christmas Day, I would like to share with you a bit of Christmas history and that, in my opinion, exemplifies the wonders of God’s love working in our world.
In 1840s, Placide Cappeau, a French “lax” Catholic, winemaker, and poet, was asked by his parish priest to write a Christmas poem to celebrate the renovation of the parish church. He wrote: Minuit, Chretiens,” which was then put to music by Adolphe Adams, and the song was known as “Cantique de Noel” and sung at Midnight Mass. Though this song became very popular, it was later denounced by the French Church after learning that Cappeau was a Socialist and rumored to be Jewish, and was no longer played. In 1855, John Sullivan Dwight, a Unitarian Minister and classical music enthusiast, heard the song, translated it into English, and “O Holy Night” became popular with the abolitionists before the Civil War. Later, on Christmas Eve in 1906, Reginald Fessenden, a radio pioneer was experimenting with a microphone and telegraph. He transmitted the Nativity story according to the disciple, Luke, and then followed it with his own rendition of “O Holy Night” making it the first song ever broadcast over the radio. Here is a most beautiful rendition, my favorite, sung by Sarah Brightman. Enjoy! May the Lord’s peace be with you.
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