(from my archives, December 3, 2016)
Welcome, God and All...
A few years back I took a whimsical look at the Latin Entrance Chants for the four Sundays in Advent. Of the three-year cycle, Year A featured all the original pre-Vatican II texts. For the text for the First Sunday of Advent, I took the opening words of Psalm 25, (Ad te levabi...) "To You, O Lord, I lift my soul...") and in an unusual play on words. came up with "To Your Levis", a brief commentary on the growing trend of online shopping for the holiday, more often in pajamas than jeans. It led, like the reflection below, led to something more of a seasonal spiritual reflection.
The second weekend of Advent begins with an antiphon from Isaiah 30:19. The Latin text is "Populus Sion"; in English, "People of Zion”; but over time became rendered as "Popular Scion", a nod to the Japanese sub-compact car. A holiday tradition developed with cars of this size, beginning with the Volkswagen Beetle. How many people can you pack into one of these vehicles? Then it's off to the mall for shopping, and the subsequent cramming the passengers AND their packages back into that small car. I understand one enterprising young Russian man used this experience to develop the video game Tetris.
But the Scion is a recent casualty as well as a development. With the faltering economy of the 21st Century, parent Toyota stopped producing the Scion; apparently it was not as popular as we thought. However, long before the automobile, we had the "Popular Sign." Burma Shave comes to mind. Also, the poor notion that people need "signs and wonders" in their own time to understand and believe in the presence of God and in the truth that his Son, Jesus came among humanity; and that his presence is still real and among us. More than a sign, it is the greatest gift; helping to establish the tradition of the exchange of gifts in this holy season.
More importantly, we are urged to share the gifts we receive. I'm not talking about sharing unmentionables here, but gifts of compassion, mercy and love. St. Matthew (our featured evangelist in this liturgical year), writes: "The gift you have received, give as a gift" (Matthew 10:8) The staff at Presentation Ministries (presentationministries.com) posted an excellent reflection on the gift lists we should be considering this season. Regardless of potential risk, in the interest of sharing 'gifts' I'm posting their thoughts below.
One of the most famous (or infamous) Christmas songs from my childhood is "All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth." Sadly, if that's all you want, that may be all you'll get. I don't know about you, but I want a lot more than some teeth:
- I want the sick cured, the dead raised, the leprous healed, and demons expelled (Matthew 10:8).
- I want workers for the harvest (Matthew 9:38) and the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).
- I want a deep, totally committed relationship with Jesus, not only for me but also for every member of my family, my friends, and all of you.
- I want the baptism in the Spirit, the "streams of running water" (Isaiah 30:25), for every believer in the world.
- I want world evangelism, repentance, conversion, sanctification, and healing.
- I want an end to war, starvation, abortion, racism, and injustice.
- I want Jesus' Second Coming, the end of the world, and "new heavens and a new earth" (Revelation 21:1).
- I want to see Jesus face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12).
That's what I want for Christmas. And my heavenly Father says (with compassion): "Is that all?"
Indeed, God's abundance is infinite. And this should be a sign for you (see Luke 2:12).
Until we meet again, Come, Emmanuel!
+the Phoenix
