The peace and joy for which the world celebrates and desires.
In thinking about what I to write,
I reflected on the first Christmas as told in the gospel.
Not the part where Mary and
Joseph frantically search for a birthing place. Not the unspoken part where Mary gives birth. Surely not the sounds and smells of the nearby
animals.
I think of what most parents would
see as important: a content infant drowsily falling to sleep in the arms of an exhausted
mother. It is from this scene the unlikely
mix of peace and joy begins to emerge.
Looking up I see the nativity set
on my piano. Although simple it is
deluxe compared to the original site where the Holy Family settled that
Christmas night.
Then I picture what many of you
are seeing as you read this: St. Mary’s
church. There are lighted trees and
wreaths with ribbons. Amenities that were unimaginable on that first Christmas:
an organ, baby grand piano and sound system. (I better not forget to mention the new elevator
because if I do, Fr. Rich will have me hand-write it into every bulletin. :)
I imagine the generations of
families who have gathered here throughout the years. They
are alongside individuals who have come to see St. Mary’s as their family. I see myself and others who have been blessed
to share our ministry here with you.
I pause to think of those who are
not with us. There are those who no
longer make church part of their holiday tradition. There are those who have died. I pause to honor their memories.
And……There is you.
Whatever brought you here, whatever
you were doing right before you came, whatever you will do when you leave
church I wish you the peace and joy for which you celebrate and desire.
Blessed to be in ministry at St.
Mary’s,
Bruce
Bruce Mauro, Director of Music St. Mary’s Church
