In this solemn vigil, we gather to celebrate not so much a Christmas "spirit" as a Christmas "truth." It is the turth about the infant who draws us here today, the infant who is the reason for our celebration. This is no ordinary infant who lies in the manger. He is, as the Creed tells us: "God from God, Light from Light, True God from True God, begotten not made, consubstantial with the Father, through him all things were made and who for us and our salvation came down from heaven."
This means that God has displayed his glory by drawing near to us. He is not a distant, unconcerned God who "stays up above" and does not interfere, but a God who understands and loves us even in our foibles. He is not a God to be feared or avoided, but a God who is moved by our pains and who is with us in our daily struggles.
This truth is behind the various traditions that mark this feast.
We exchange gifts to remind us that God has given himself to us as a gift, wrapping his awesome divinity in our humble humanity.
We decorate trees. They are "evergreen" (especially if artificial!) as a reminder of fhe everlasting life Christ came to give. They recall Genesis' tree in the garden of Eden, restored by the "tree of life" on Calvary.
We string (perhaps with much frustration) many lights on our homes to remind passersby of the birth of Christ, the true Light, who illumines a world darkened by sin and strife.
We bake special cookies recalling that Christ came to lead us into a land flowing with milk and honey and has given us the Eucharist, the Bread from heaven, having all sweetness within it.
This is the truth about the Infant we honor and adore: He offers us the gift of eternal life. He is the Light that illumines and guides us through life. He is the Bread that nourishes and strengthens us on life's journey. What are our thoughts as we gaze upon the Infant lying in the manger in our church?
Do we evaluate it from an artistic viewpoint? Do I go just to take a piece of straw to place in my wallet? Someone told me that this curious tradition is a "good luck thing." Placing a piece of straw from the manger in your wallet will assure you that it would never be empty! But if these are the only reasons to visit the manger, we miss the whole point of the gift and mystery we celebrate. We might speak to the Infant Jesus in the words of this "Letter" addressed to him:
Dear Jesus,
Please excuse me if I am disturbing you. In these days, I know that many people want to speak to you—with a prayer, a petition, or even with a complaint. Jesus, you know that when the sea is stormy, even those who never give you a thought turn to you. Jesus, I do not wish to disturb you, but just as a child would write a letter to Father Christmas, I would like to unburden my heart to you. Bring peace to this suffering world, to those who have lost a relative or friend, to families that are hurting, to the elderly who are lonely, to those in hospital, to those who work night and day to provide food for their table. Instill some peace and a bit of love into the hearts of each of us on this Christmas. I ask nothing more, for we need nothing more. I have come to realize that gifts and the season's hustle and bustle do not bring true happiness. I am beginning to understand that for it to be truly Chirstmas, we need You, only You, O Jesus.
