Anticipate Christmas with Us December 11

Here’s a quick question: what are we celebrating at Christmas?

Jesus’ birth? Peace and love? Family and friendships? Our shared sense of community, both locally and globally? Christmas is all of that, and so much more. It is a celebration of Christ’s arrival.

The “arrival” is less about Jesus’ birth and more about Christ’s presence among us and within us – the Incarnation. That presence gives dimension and meaning to the peace and love, family and friendships, and shared sense of community. It is the source of the hope we celebrate. It is the reason why the symbols of Christmas are light (Christ’s presence brings light to the world) and evergreens (the Incarnation is a perennial reality now, today and forever).

So there is plenty to celebrate. With all the preparations – and the stress of finishing papers and exams – it can be a struggle to keep the meaning of the season in mind. But Christmas will be so much more meaningful if you can. We are here to help. You can get into the Christmas spirit with our annual celebration of Christmas after 5 p.m. mass this Saturday, Dec. 11. Please join us in the Chapel library for a festive reception with good food, good cheer and good fellowship before you rush off to dinner and studies.

December has a whole host of celebrations honoring Mary. In this season of preparing for Christ, it seems natural to turn to her. After all, she awaited Christ’s arrival with greater anticipation than anyone else. For more about Christmas, the Marian celebrations this month and other news about the Catholic Community, visit our website at www.conncatholics.com. You might also find inspiration at Christmas Vespers: A Service of Lessons and Carols, Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 5 p.m. in the Chapel.

This can be a stressful time. If you would like to talk, please stop by my office in the Chapel basement or stop me if you see me in Harris, the library or walking across campus. I’m here Wednesday and Saturday afternoons and evenings; I’m always available after 5 o’clock Mass on Saturday. Our last liturgy of the semester will be Dec. 18. You can also reach me by phone at 860-423-0856 or by e-mail.

You will be in my prayers and in the prayers of the Catholic Community during the next few weeks. I wish you a joyful Christmas and all of God’s blessings for 2011.

Devotedly yours,
Father Larry