The
composer Gustav Mahler once said Tradition is not the worship of Ashes but the
preservation of Fire. It sounds like the Olympic torch relay – pass the fire on
from one person to the next. Same is the passing on of traditions. Most people I know have Christmas Traditions.
One for me is a trip to NYC.
1)
To
see the Tree. We New Yorkers at least call it the Tree – Rockefeller Center. It
is gorgeous! Of course, it is a wonderful symbol –
Evergreen
= eternal life
Lights
= the light of the world
Star
= Bethlehem or Angel = announcing Good News.
Another
favorite tree is at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Leads to second Tradition:
2)
Nativities
–At the Met it is set upon the ruins of the Roman Empire. Nativities were inspired by St. Francis, who
was concerned that people did not understand the meaning of Christmas. In 1223
in Greccio, Italy he created the first live Nativity – he called it a crèche (French
for cradle) Villagers played the parts and brought their animals. After Francis
read the Gospel, he went over and picked up the baby, and held the baby in his
arms
And
so they understood: God became a baby – God became a human being – God became
one of us!!! An awesome thing!
3)
A
Third Tradition – the Windows! So creative.
I was happy to see Macy’s is paying tribute to the 50th
Anniversary of a Charlie Brown Christmas. Always a special place in my heart – 38
years ago a group of seminarians put the play on for about 300 inner city
children – and who was Charlie Brown?
You
know the story – Charlie Brown is directing the annual Christmas Play. He
decides he needs a Christmas Tree for the set. He see lots of flashing,
beautiful artificial trees. Then, he sees a tiny, skimpy looking real tree with
a few branches and the needles falling off. CB said – “it seems to need a home.”
All the children laughed at the tree, and finally, Charlie Brown says – “Doesn’t
anyone know what Christmas is all about?” That’s when Linus recites tonight’s Gospel.
“It
seems to need a home” – sounds like an act of mercy – isn’t this the Year of Mercy?
2
days ago, a Catholic Priest in Lexington Kentucky stood on the street dressed
as a beggar. He held a sign: Will you help? Give/receive. Anyone who gave him something received $100.00
in return. One man said: now I can get
my kids Christmas presents. A homeless man gave him $.50. Blessed are the merciful-mercy shall be
theirs!
One last great Christmas Tradition – what we are
doing now - Christmas -
Christ Mass - Mass of Christ – Word becomes Flesh and
Dwells Within Us! How awesome is
that?! Merry Christmas!
