When he was at table with them, he took the bread. He blessed the bread, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him!(Luke 24:13-35)

Saturday, December 17, 2011

The Meaning of Christmas

The meaning of Christmas is summed up in His name, Emmanuel - that is, God is with us - to destroy our fears and make us ambassadors of the Light. Advent has been all about waiting. And now we know what the waiting was all about - to live our lives, consoled in the midst of our frustration with war and corruption, as well as with our own personal failures.

Because God is with us, making sense of all the suffering, all the misery, helping us believe that we are in a much larger plan - waiting for Love to be born for the last time when all those prophecies we heard read to us in the last few weeks are brought to fulfillment. It's a question of that mysterious presence in our hearts that calls forth from us faith and hope and love.

If we can only say a simple, unqualified "yes" as Mary did (Luke 1:26-38), life could be so simple, and God would be so pleased with us.

That's why it's so important that all of us confess our sinfulness before Christmas, and be absolved of anything that could keep Jesus out of our hearts. Advent ends this week and Christmas is just around the corner, when Jesus will be born again in hearts that are prepared to receive Him.

Amateur Poetry Night

(A poem for Lily on her birthday)



Tomorrow is Sunday and you’re turning 3

So for one reason or other,

despite protests from your mother,

Oompah’s going to try his hand at poetry.



(Oh, man!  I’m already off to a bad start!

But I’m thinking, “That’s all right,

As long as it’s from the heart!”)



After a long week of work far out of town

I can get pretty bored, lonesome and down.

Thoughts of your Mar Mar, Mommy and you

Keep your old Oompah from getting too blue.



When I’m home again and

I hear your sweet voice

My heart fills with love

And shouts with rejoice!



You’re a gift from God—

You’re just what I needed

To know that God’s plan for me

has already succeeded.



Happy Birthday, my sweet Princess!



Love,

Oompah and the Super Readers (long story, no time)

Saints celebrating feast days on Lily’s birthday include Saints Rufus and Zosimus, Saint Gatian, SaintFlannan, and Saint Winebald.  (In case you’re interested)

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