The Wide Embrace of Christmas

Why does Christmas seem to reach out arms that embrace and touch people all around the world? 

There are certainly lots of reasons, but, as we were eating a late brunch and listening to "Fantasia on Christmas Carols" (Ralph Vaughan Williams) I realized that at Christmas the world is especially, remarkably, uniquely touched by heaven...

in the beauty of unparalled music

in love between those who were estranged or distant

in the deep mystery of Christ's love

in the contemplation of angel choirs singing to humble shepherds

by traveling wisemen

in a virgin mother holding the Creator of the stars in her arms

in faithful, trustworthy, caring Joseph

in dusty roads and dirty stables hosting a heavenly Babe-King

What else would you add to this list? Giving and receiving gifts in love, anticipation, and joy? Grandma's house and the aromas coming from the kitchen? The light in a child's eyes? Hugs and kisses all around?

This heavenly glimpse, this thin place where heaven and earth kiss each other, this week's compaction of contemplation can be ours all year long. This is why the Lord of heaven and earth took the form of a baby and became God enrobed in flesh, to make a way for us to heaven and provide an enduring union with him today and every day of our life's journey.

May we embrace Emmanuel, God with us, every day, in every circumstance in 2016.

 

Fantasia on Christmas Carols - Ralph Vaughan Williams

Hodie - Ralph Vaughan Williams