Corpus Christi Catholic Community

CHRISTMAS, YR B

From Fr George ...

A Reflection for Christmas

The glory of the Lord shone round them….
American inventor Thomas Alva Edison is probably best remembered as the inventor of the mass-produced electric light bulb. Edison’s skill was that as a businessman he realized that unless an inexpensive way could be found of marketing this invention, then it would remain simply a novelty. After all scientist Sir Humphry Davy had first demonstrated an electric light in 1802, but no one had found a way to make them last long enough or manufacture them cheaply enough to make it commercially viable.

Edison not only developed a satisfactory bulb, but he set up a distribution network that made him a millionaire many times over. Spotting a commercial opportunity is what most people have done to Christmas so that the wonderment of the initial experience is lost in paraphernalia and hype. The revolutionary message at the heart of Christmas is that God has become a human person in Jesus and he invites us all to become children of God. The light of Christ outdoes any city light show or the most expensive firework display without adversely adding to global warming.

The simplicity of the manger at Bethlehem links the birth of the word made flesh with the poorest of our world and at the same time speaks of the reconciliation of different social and cultural groups, such as the Shepherds and the foreign Magi. As we gather with our families this Christmas and anxiously ponder the economic crisis, the birth of Christ reminds us of the only riches that endure the relationship of family, friends and community. Mary “pondering all these things in her heart” gives us all the model of reflective prayer in the presence of God’s Word to help free us from materialistic distractions. From the darkness of our world obsessed with fear, sin and terrorism, we are invited to come to Christ, for “He is the radiant light of God’s glory and the perfect copy of his nature”. (Heb 1:3). On this Christmas day let’s give thanks to God for such a gift, for such a light.

The angel said, “Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people.” (Luke 2:9-11)

From Sr Merylin …

I can remember the first time I opened a wedding invitation. I held a card, not only telling me what type of gift to buy, but also the brand name and the department store to buy it from.

A coldness comes over you at times like that – over commercialisation of something sacred like gift giving – it is rather soul destroying to say the least! It seems most areas of our lives and our relationships are touched by this and none of the invasions are as overt as the attack on the true Christmas Spirit.

The fact that the shops start to bring out the tinsel a little earlier each year is disturbing, but not bad in itself. It’s the lack of any interest or emphasis on the sacred that brings our society undone.

While we don’t actually have lists in the stores like I mentioned above, we do let our families and friends know what we’d like and the television does a very good job of alerting all (especially the children) of the very latest, must have items.

No, being alerted to Christmas earlier rather than later can be used to our advantage. In my childhood my dad used to start to mould a paper-maché crib, make the plaster figures and commence the very elaborate Christmas decoration of the lounge room (we couldn’t use it from about September onwards!) We used to creep in and absorb the magic that we then associated with the coming of Jesus. In my case, the earlier Christmas was mentioned, the better! The whole mystery started to unfold. The whole Advent Liturgy takes hold of this human longing; the watchfulness and the awe that encourages us to celebrate this waiting.

A couple of weeks ago, I found a beautiful children’s story on a bargain table at the Plaza. It tells of a selfish camel who was ‘turned around’ as he came to accept the invitation of the Wise Men to carry their gifts to Bethlehem. He found himself faced with many requests on the road and after making excuses, took on each load. He was brought to his knees in the stable when a tiny child added the proverbial ‘last straw’ to his load.

We daily meet people who have wonderful gifts and who rely on us to help them share them in the true spirit of Christmas.

Let us ask ourselves where we are in all of this at Christmas. How taken over by commercialisation are we? Do we notice others’ needs of assistance? Are we good on the excuses for why we need not help? What is the ‘last straw’ needed to bring us to our knees in the celebration of the wonderful mystery of God becoming Man?