Christmas Community

The sights and sounds of the Christmas season are abundant in our communities. If we were to stroll about the village square, we might observe a holiday story hour at the local library, the Nativity scene in the park, the festive community Christmas tree, and many other symbols and activities of the season. How connected are we to these happenings? Do we really take in what is before us? Can we actually smell the gingerbread as we pass by the bakery? Do we let the colorful lights of the storefronts stir our imaginations? Are we inspired by the nostalgic music at the school concert? Or are we merely going through the motions, consumed by all the season dictates? Perhaps we have been too preoccupied to notice how our communities have been transformed or to consider how we might personally be transformed by Christmas? What about our expression of faith at this time of the year? Is time for prayer and service a part of our daily routine? How connected are we to others and to the Lord? Whether we reside in a rural, an urban, or a suburban setting, Christmas makes its presence in our community. It happens whether we are ready or not, involved or not. Wherever we find ourselves this Christmas, let us strive to be touched, even changed, by the season. First, we need to pause and reflect on the various communities we are a part of – civic, work, religious, school. Then we need to consider how our presence and participation might make a difference. If we shared our gifts of self, took a genuine interest in others, and were involved in acts of compassion and service, perhaps our communities would be reborn. During this holiday time, let us encourage people to slow down, reflect, and pray. Also, by example, we might challenge others to participate in the season rather than merely witness it. Let us now engage our hearts to foster peace and celebrate life. May we become profound participants rather than seasonal spectators in our communities this Christmas. Written in 1995 by Sue E. Hannon of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati