December 26th: St. Stephen, the First Martyr
December 27th: St. John, Apostle and Evangelist
December 28th: The Holy Innocents, the babies killed by King Herod's soldiers looking for Jesus
December 29th: The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
January 1st: Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God
January 2nd: Sts. Basil the Great & Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops & Doctors of the Church
January 3rd: The Most Holy Name of Jesus
January 4th: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (a newer American saint)
January 5th: St. John Neumann, Bishop
January 6th: The Epiphany of the Lord (when the 3 Wise Men visited the holy family)
When my children were growing up, I got the idea to give them each a small present every day after Christmas, for 12 days until January 6, Three Kings Day (Epiphany). I planned that during the next year, I would buy 10 each of simple items, such as combs, candy, special pencils, a small packet of facial tissue, etc. I never was able to implement that plan.
My intent this year, for the next 12 days, is to take important themes from the ancient Nativity Chronicle, and try to connect them with our present lives and relationships. Yesterday I reminisced about my Christmas past. Today is Christmas present. I went to Midnight Mass with daughter #4, Theresa, and her daughter, Heather. We thoroughly enjoyed the grand and special service presided over by our beloved Bishop Ronald Gainer. Con-celebrating were our 3 parish priests, 2 of the deacons, 7 altar servers, 20 or so singers in the choir plus their director, our organist, instrumentalists including a trumpeter and a kettle drum player. In addition, at communion time were 12 Eucharistic Ministers. The altar area was quite full and busy!
The beautiful Nativity Set, displayed near the altar, depicted Jesus as a newborn baby in the manger-crib, his mother, Mary, father, Joseph, an Angel, a Shepherd with his sheep, and the newest additions this year: a large donkey and an ox. The abundant red pointsettias, wreaths, incense, and lit candles further enhanced the celebration.
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| The Nativity Scene, Cathedral of Christ the King, Lexington, Kentucky, U.S.A., December 25, 2013.
After I came home, I turned on my gas fireplace, and lit the candles on my old German brass carousel, a gift from my mother when I was newly married many years ago. I like to watch the spinning shadow on the ceiling above this. I snacked on a couple of peanut butter criss-cross cookies and dropped into bed at 2:15 a.m.
German carousel: the heat from the four candles spin the wheel at the top; this makes the three angels also spin. Their rods strike the bells at the right and left to make a delicate chiming. This set is very small; I hope to get a much larger one for next Christmas. This is one only one I've seen that is not made of wood. Many are quite elaborate.
This afternoon I spent time in our beautiful new Adoration chapel, praying from one of my prayerbooks. It is perfectly silent and peaceful there. This evening, daughter #2, Carole, hosted the family Christmas dinner; among other dishes, she cooked a really tasty ham with a pineapple-cherry glaze.
Driving through my neighborhood and the downtown area several times today, I noticed there was such a sense of peace. There was virtually no traffic. Our neighborhood was full of many visitors' cars. The outdoor lights and Christmas trees visible through front windows were beautiful; some may be taken down tomorrow but tonight they are festive.
Even if I encountered strangers yesterday and today, everyone smiled and greeted a cheery, "Merry Christmas!" How could we maintain this spirit of Joy all through the New Year? I can only do this for myself. I need something to remind me of Christmas, one object to remind me of the Christmas Spirit. I will not put away with the rest of the decorations a small, one-piece Nativity of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. I wish this Christmas Spirit of Joy, Peace, Laughter, Acceptance, Quiet, and Rest for you, too! Merry Christmas!!
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