The lights are lit and the tree is up. The celebration of Christ’s birth has only just begun. The joy in the air is contagious for now, but how can we keep that joy long after the holidays are gone?
It does not take much thinking to come to the conclusion that all the happiness Christmas brings is in the anticipation and celebration of Christ’s birth, us making an effort to be so close to him with our families as he comes into the world.
The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, January 9, 2011 marks the beginning of the National Vocation Awareness Week.
While the Baptism of Christ focuses on the revelation of Christ as the “Beloved Son of God,” it reminds us of our own Baptism.
Baptism marks the beginning of our “vocation”as Christians.
By virtue of our Baptism, we also share in the three-fold mission of Christ to be priest, prophet, and king.
I have a ritual I practice on New Year’s Eve or day, depending on what is going on in my life. I take some quiet time to review how God has worked in my life over the past year.
Last year I recalled a journal entry that summarized a talk I still remember. It was given during a day of prayer. The presenter, a wonderful Holy Cross priest, made a simple but profound statement. He said that Christian discipleship can be summed up by two words — “Come” and “Go.”
During World War II near London, on Christmas morning, some lonely American soldiers looked for a Mass to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
As they searched, they discovered an old gray stone building. Carved over the door were the words, “Queen Anne’s Orphanage.” They knocked and a matron came to the door. She explained that the children were orphans whose parents had been killed in bombing raids.
The soldiers went inside as the children tumbled happily out of bed and hurried into the gray guest room. There were no Christmas trees, crib, or presents.
To the editor:
I was deeply saddened as I read the articles written by Steven Maurice and David Kuhle for the September 30 issue of the Catholic Herald in response to a column by Fr. Peter Daly.
In the manger of Bethlehem was born for us true hope. At Christmas we “remember” not only what happened some 2,000 years ago, but indeed, we remember all that Jesus Christ is for us and all that He has promised.
