Becoming Santa...

For many of us, we get into the habit of sharing only what we need to share with each other, the necessities of life such as food, water, medicine and care.  We forget that the hunger is not only from sustenance but from our spirit as well.  Constantly on the move this busy time of year, many of us do not see the need to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season to stop and simply breathe.  When we allow time to reflect in prayer, we see ourselves from within, and look at our actions in a different way.  We can all use this as a time to prepare for the majesties of advent.  Just as Mary was prepared to receive the Christ child, our thoughts are getting ready for His birth and our renewal of hope in this dark world.  Today, society is broken apart from responsibility and our sins are magnified.  To be without sin, to be pure of both mind and heart is the true gift from God and even though we cannot celebrate this act, we can surely be witnesses to its ideas. 

Centuries ago, an imperfect man was born.  He shared all the trappings of original sin and lived among his brethren in relative peace and harmony.  He was a craftsman by trade.  He was not without his flaws but believed that Christ had a role for him to play in this life.  The story goes that a citizen of Patara in Greece had lost all his money, and had moreover to support three daughters who could not find husbands because of their poverty; so the wretched man was going to give them over to prostitution. This came to the ears of Nicholas, who thereupon took a bag of gold and, under cover of darkness threw it in at the open window of the man's house. Here was a dowry for the eldest girl and she was soon duly married. At intervals Nicholas did the same for the second and third; at the last time the father was on the watch, recognized his benefactor and overwhelmed him with his gratitude.  It is here that the first yarns about Santa Claus were born and in time, he became known as the child’s saint.  Santa saw the world through the eyes of a child, suffering and lonely, heartbroken, rich or poor, he did not care.  Every child to him was born without pre-conceived sin, as Mary was, and deserved his undying attention, prayer and love.

Pére Noel in France, Sinterklaas in Deutschland, Topo Gigo in Africa, Hoteiosho in Japan.  Whatever he is called, he is honored for his dedication to loving just as we are called by Christ to love Him with all our mind, body and soul. 

In a little manger in the middle of everyday life, a child was born.  Born of light, out of the darkness, to a world yet unknown.  A select few were chosen to witness this miracle, guided by a star in the long Bethlehem sky.  We gather together at this moment and look back on what we have left behind.  What is our legacy to be?  Are we to be remembered or just a passing glance in a mirror?  Let us be renewed by our faith, in love, hope and charity.  Love each other, pray with each other, be with each other. 

In our most ignorant of ways, with each step we take towards our meeting with God, we should all strive in becoming Santa... 

May the wind be at your backs and especially this time of year, may His peace be with you, always.  God bless you all and have a very merry and holy Christmas.

 

Like foolish folk of old I would not be,
Who had no room that night for Him and thee.
See, Mother Mary, here within my heart
I've made a little shrine for Him apart;
Swept it of sin, and cleansed it with all care;
Warmed it with love and scented it with prayer.
So, Mother, when the Christmas anthems start,
Please let me hold your baby--in my heart.

By Sr. Maryanna, O.P.