by Alexander Natiku

Created on: August 18, 2008

What does Christmas really mean to you? Assuming you are like me and cringe at the bombardment of paraphanalia for commercializing the season as early as the week after Thanksgiving, there is a very strong reason to put Christ squarely where he belongs - at the center of Christmas.

Yes, as a child I was starry-eyed and caught up in the gift giving season, but strangely enough that is not what put joy and love into my heart. Raised Roman Catholic and celebrating Mass in Latin held a certain special spirituality for me. Put aside the gifts and toys and tree, what I saw was something truly holy about this time. It did not matter if it were Spring, Summer or Fall either. It was THE DAY that my God was born. And the story of love, honor, and glory whether 2000 years ago or now transcends time. A star was followed. Wise men who were "spiritualists" or "kings" in their own realm had seen this as a sign to come and honor (how did they know?). The abject poverty and humblness of the nativity scene surrounded by Kings and Shepherds alike - and nature as represented by animals and the earth was a communion with all that God the Father created so long ago. And for a moment there was Peace on Earth - even if for a moment in a war-torn, opressed land. What glory and honor was given to us on that day! As a 7 year-old and having received communion at Christ's Mass I trembled with pride as I felt connected with my God as being chosen as one of his saved children. The music at high holy mass echoed the sounds of what angels must sound like when singing and I believed and I knew it was right. "Fall on your knees, and hear the angels' voices, Oh Christ Divine...Oh night when Christ was born."

The feeling has never changed. Despite the changes in the Catholic church I still can feel a slight tremble in my soul and sense of pride as I partake in the Mass - although sadly due to some instances I have missed this holy day of obligation. Why is it that as we get older, we get lax in our spiritual duties? But I do pray. And I do believe. I welcome the day when there will be a revival of the Spirit of Christ's Mass - Christmas where what matters is not what is in your stocking or under the tree, but what is in your heart, mind and soul. When you can truly feel, like even for a day, that there is love for and from your fellow man. Oh what peace and solace even that one day brings when you open your heart, close your eyes and commune with your God. This is the celebration of life which is the ultimate joy. Anyone who has ever experienced the birth of a child, or have seen a parent with a child at that time can somehow sense the honor of giving and getting life. It, like the birth of our Lord, is truly a miracle.

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