The Thanksgiving weekend 'officially' kicks off the Christmas holiday season. What this 'officially' means is that we can now make shopping a priority.
Spiritually it means that we give. Christmas celebrates Jesus' birthday and that we honor Him by giving to others, as He ordained.
This year, as every year, Catholic Bishops and Archbishops will stand before hundreds of thousands of followers, dressed in tens of thousands of dollars worth of clothing, to give the typical holiday sermon from the pulpits of their multi-million dollar Cathedrals. The typical holiday sermon will describe how Jesus admonished his followers that not offering a coat to a neighbor who was cold was the same as not offering it to Him.
"Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me."
Good, religious, and dedicated people will overlook this glaring contradiction and sincerely celebrate, and act on, this holy message.
It's people as this who show how important celebration is as a component of a community of excellence. Celebration is so much more than light strings on houses, decorated trees, and egg nog. It is the activity of togetherness. The full-page ad that announces that we, who are celebrating together, are a community. We're an us. We have remembered that through all the work, trials, tribulations - as we strive within our everyday lives, we are together.
Plus, we welcome you to join us. Pour yourself an egg nog and come sing some carols with us. Just as Jesus ordained.
So I ask all to remember that underneath the sales and discount coupons, underneath the hierarchical pomp of the human institutions we call churches, underneath all the lights, wreaths, trees, red plaid tablecloths, elves, and Santa - Christmas is about the very core of Jesus' message. We give. But please remember that Christians don't own the franchise on this truism. It is equally paramount in every major religion on our planet. Please keep it in your heart and on your mind as you wait on line to buy this year's 'have-to-have' item.
"Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me."
Happy Holidays.
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1 comment:
Thanks for reminding me, and all, the true reason of the season. Looking forward to sharing in the magic and happiness of the season with all the communities I'm a part of- especially the community of our family.
Love, MaryKate
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