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A CHRISTMAS REFLECTION (written by Willy Effinger)
Today, as I was driving with two Christian brothers to the Ottawa Civic Hospital, I heard with great dismay on CBC Radio that, to be politically correct, we should no longer decorate Christmas trees but “holiday trees” instead. Quite frankly, the way our government officials, and society in general, try to slowly but surely abolish Christian values goes one hundred percent against my nature; everything within me starts to rebel.
It is disgusting that our government is making sin more palatable by making laws that condone sin. By legalizing sinful behaviour, the consciences of the people are subdued and eventually disappear. First, abortion was legalized; therefore it is no longer sinful in the average person’s mind. Then, same sex marriage was legalized; as a result, it is not considered sinful any more. Now, the issue of euthanasia and assisted suicide is next in line. Will you stand by and let it be legalized, so that murder becomes sin-free? I urge you to stand up and be counted. Otherwise, when you stand before the Lord, He may say: “Go away. I do not know you.”
So, let’s get back to Christmas – let’s keep tradition in it! Let us step out in truth and faith and let us not be afraid to say, as a certain “rebel” radio host said: “Happy Birthday Jesus”, even if the government officials don’t like to hear it.
I’d like to share some of the old Christmas customs I grew up with in Germany: Instead of, or perhaps along with, the letter to HOHOHO, we used to write a letter to the Christ Child. This helped the youngsters to see the spiritual essence of Christmas and helped to balance the crazy commercialism in the retail world. The child, with a little help from an adult, would write about his or her needs, wishes and sincere resolutions to please the Baby Jesus. The letters would be placed under the Christmas tree and on Christmas Eve, the Christmas Angel (usually a parent) would pick up the children’s letters. Christmas Eve day was the actual time for putting up the Christmas tree, manger and other decorations. With songs, stories and prayers, it was a real family event, closing with a special family dinner in expectation of the upcoming Birthday Celebration. I still remember how my heart was in awe and excitement, drawn deeply into the Christmas spirit. After Christmas Eve’s midnight Mass, the family would gather around the Nativity Scene. The youngest member of the family would place the Christ Child in the crib while my father would recite a prayer from the heart. Then, one of the older children would read the Christmas Story (the Christmas Gospel), interrupted occasionally by the singing of Christmas carols. Afterwards, a few more carols would add to the recollection of the Sacred Event. As the oldest, I remember standing in front of my dad, his warm hands resting on my shoulders, pressing me close, with tears welling up in his eyes. When I recall this special moment, it still sends holy shivers through my body. All during the Christmas Season, the Crib became a little family shrine, where morning and evening prayers were recited together as a family. Another German Christmas tradition was to put white or red candles in the windows facing the street. It was not only a visible sign of a Christian household where we joyfully celebrated the Lord’s Birth, but also a sign to weary travelers that they were welcome. As I grew up, there were still shepherds roaming the countryside. Without fail, there would be someone who would stand on the doorstep, knocking to ask for a meal and a bed for the night. What fond memories I have of this time. Our family would help to look after a shepherd, his dogs and a flock of sheep. The shepherd would usually sleep on some blankets near the Christmas tree, surrounded by his dogs, with the sheep securely corralled in the yard, fed and watered. Back to the candles, though. I was also told that, in 17th Century Ireland, when religion was suppressed and priests were scarce, the candle in the window was an invitation to the underground priest travelling through the country to come in and celebrate Holy Mass with the family. Another way to keep good Christmas traditions alive is with good spiritual Christmas cards – either purchased or homemade, but always with the real meaning of Christmas.
I hope and pray that you all have a blessed and peace-filled Christmas Season!
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