My childhood memories of Christmas still influence my hopes and faith today. Using those memories, it is very easy for all of us to romanticize the holidays. The common experiences of a lightly falling snow, fog gathering on the window as dinner is prepared, colorful cookies of various traditions and flavors which tempt you as they plead to be eaten, festively wrapped gifts to be opened, family to gather with, and a promise of peace and good cheer, all combine to make the day "romantic." Even though all these things are good and wonderful, Christmas without a priority on Christ (celebrated at Mass and in our home) becomes just another secular holiday of rest, relaxation, and indulgence, which lets it fall victim to modification by popular culture. 

It seems to me that the claims of the secular world have robbed Christmas of Christ, while continuing to use it’s name. As followers of Jesus, we are duty-bound to draw a line in the sand and say, "Enough!" It needs to be stated clearly that this is a Christian Holy Day. We have mixed so many other celebrations into this season; I'm afraid we may have forgotten what we are about.

Ramadan, an Islamic religious event which lasts for a month in the springtime, has nothing to do with our Christian holiday. Hanukkah, a Jewish religious celebration, lasts a few days and is a minor celebration for the Jewish people, yet is perceived as equal to Christmas. Kwanza, an African-American celebration, is a secular activity that began in the 1960's and has nothing to do with Christmas or religious worship.

In the name of diversity we have begun to lose our unity of Faith and Christian identity. Granted, all these other religious and secular activities have value, but they pale next to the magnitude of the Birth of Christ and Christmas. To put it as bluntly as possible, Christ is the reason for this season. Nothing can replace it, nothing can substitute for it, and no amount of "diversity" can dim it! We come to Mass because of Christ. We give gifts as a reflection of God's Ultimate Gift, Jesus Christ. We are charitable because it is the heart of Christianity. Our Faith must shine and we must live Christmas as if our souls depend on it.

May this beautiful, holy day be an inspiration to you. May the Christ Child lead you closer to our Heavenly Father, and may the new year be a blessing to you. On behalf of the whole community of St. Joseph Catholic Church, as its Spiritual Father, may you and yours have a blessed Christmas.