Great celebrations arise from a kind of euphoria mixed with gratitude and inexpressible love. Think of a newborn child, the reunion of loved ones, the wedding of true soul mates. These are the great moments of the human drama.
Of all the times of the year, however, December is most peculiar when it comes to celebrations. Sparkling trees, presents, reunions, stockings, hams, travel plans, lights, sleigh rides, caroling, mangers, shepherds and angels – these traditions define the last month of the year.
But the building crescendo, which reaches its height on Dec. 25, results in great celebration only in as much as we have something profound to celebrate.
All the gifts and traditions turn strangely dull and burdensome if it becomes apparent that the occasion is unworthy of grand pageantry. In fact, the music, gifts and feasting might well seem downright excessive.
Perhaps this is why some downplay Dec. 25 – even to the point that many schools and businesses refuse to even call it “Christmas” anymore. Increasingly, we hear of “Winter Carnivals” and “Holiday Fests.”
But what separates a “Holiday Fest” from the country fair? Come if you want, stay home if you’d rather. There’s nothing particularly necessary about attending a fair or fest. They are more social gatherings, which might be fun and entertaining, but they are not worthy of the greatest celebrations we can muster.
If Christmas is only an occasion to gather with family and friends, then why not gather in January or July? Why make a big deal out of the “Winter Fest?” Why not a “Summer Splash” instead?
In the end, it is left to the Christian to affirm the profound and earth-shattering reason to celebrate on Dec. 25.
Sin and salvation: these are the dual reasons for the season and as the church begins a new liturgical year, this is what Advent conveys.
During the Advent Masses, the liturgy and the readings of Holy Scripture remind us that all have sinned, all have turned from God, all were lost and separated from the source of eternal life. During Advent, the church calls us to fast, repent and give alms, as we look again to that extraordinary moment in human history when God deigned to become a human infant and thus began a mission that would result in the salvation of world.
In December, it is especially evident that the church is truly a great treasure to the world. She reminds humanity that there is still a profound reason to celebrate. We were lost in sin, certain to die, desperate for deliverance and longing for a Savior.
Let us enter fully into Advent and acknowledge the weight of our sins so that we might know the euphoria of the Christmas celebration.
