RBWords

     In my years as a campus minister/pastor at this time of year, it was always nice to see parents bring small children over to the nativity scene in the church to explain the various figures, including Mary and Joseph, the exotic "kings" and the animals and, of course, "Baby Jesus."  In an important way, this is exactly what is described in regard to the shepherds in the scripture passage from today's gospel quoted above from "Mass at Dawn."  The parents [who know well the role of shepherd} heard the story as children and now they bring their own children to "Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us."  Some of these same children would eventually take part in "Christmas pageants" in which they play the role of those various figures.  In Hispanic communities in Texas and elsewhere, thre is the custom of "posadas," in which neighborhoods reenact the journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem and their search for a place to stay.  All of this is a way of "making known the message that had been told them about this child."  

     I wonder what would happen if we substituted, "Christ is born!" for "Merry Christmas!" in our greeting for today!  I wonder what would happen if instead of running straight to the tree and the presents, we stopped first and said a prayer of thanksgiving and joy at the nativity scene!  Maybe that's "asking too much," but these might be ways of "making known the message that has been told [us] about this child."  We will find the baby in the manger or the star above it.  But these will be packed up soon and put away for "next Christmas."  We still have one another to make known the message!  We can't make the nativity scene do all the preaching!  As long as we breathe life, we can BE "Christ is born!" to one another and "make known the message that has been told us about this child."  AMEN

To all my beloved and far-flung congregation, I wish a profound Christmas blessing and joy!  Thank you for "being there" for me!   Fr. R. B. Williams, O.P.