Christmas has been kind of different this year. For starters, we, (my wife, Jeannie) and I; have been going to St. Thomas More Catholic Church for daily mass almost every day over the last several months. Monsignor (1) Patrick Boudeville walked us through the Old and New Testaments, explaining how it was like with the people living during those eras, and how we can relate our lives to them.

I attended mass at the close of the Advent season. It was simple, yet meaningful, in preparation for the Christmas masses.

During the period, Jeannie and I visited the major shopping malls in town to see the Christmas decorations. Many of them were very beautiful, spectacular. The individual stores, big and small; decked their stores with Christmas trees, lights and decorations that were themed with what the stores were offering for Christmas. There were multiples of Christmas carols and songs that were played and aired – sung by famous singers and new ones, too. We have noted them down and will try to get the songs to add to our personal playlists.

Eating – did I mention eating earlier on? The cakes and cookies on sale – they all looked so delicious. By just looking at them, we’ve put on some extra kilos. In our case, we didn’t just look, we had to eat… in moderation, of course.😂

Then, when we go home, away from the hustle and bustle of things, life becomes quiet. We kind of settle back into our daily routines. Maybe, the shopping malls and stuff like that are temporary – entertainment at best. There is more to Christmas than all this.

While all this is part of Christmas, a major part (it depends on how you look at it), that is; the real meaning of Christmas is about LOVE. Love with family and friends. Back in my growing up years in the 1960s and 1970s; after receiving our Christmas presents (which was usually after attending midnight mass in church), my siblings and I were more excited visiting our cousins (yes, Christmas started at midnight – visits were after our present opening ceremony). Visits carried on for the next few days. We had Open House at our house on December 26th (every December 26th, it was at the Atkinsons’ house) – with everybody converging at our place for the next few days. It was really fun. A fun and meaningful event that is missing today.

A child that was born over 2,000 years ago, came with a promise, a gift if you may; of a love like no other, for all mankind.

JEANNIE AND I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE THIS LOVE, JOY AND PEACE OF CHRISTMAS WITH ALL OUR FAMILY, OUR FRIENDS AND THE PEOPLE THAT COME INTO OUR EVERYDAY LIVES, THOSE THAT WE MAY MEET OR SEE ONLY ONCE, BUT PLAYED A PART TO MAKE OUR DAY WHOLE.

MERRY CHRISTMAS – LOVE PEACE & JOY

NOTES:
1. In the Catholic Church, Monsignor (from Italian monsignore, meaning “my Lord”) is an honorary title, not a rank, given by the Pope to certain priests for distinguished service, making them part of the “papal family” and granting them special dress/privileges. It’s a title of honor, recognizing exceptional dedication, often for those serving in diocesan leadership or the Vatican.