As Christmas comes but once a year, why not celebrate it all year?

As Christmas comes but once a year, why not celebrate it all year?

That may sound like a toy maker’s dream because of the money people will spend on toys and many frivolous items.  But what if we included the blessings that many would receive as we receive the graces that God sends us as we honor his Son’s birth and the joy that the shepherds and the Magi were privy to?

Well, that, is just what we already have as each time we attend Holy Mass, or pick up the bible and read over the quest from the words of the prophets predicting the promise of God to send a Messiah:  God’s promise to David, and David’s acceptance to God:

“And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your heir after you, spring from your loins, and I will make his kingdom firm.  It is he who shall build a house for my name.  And I will make his royal throne firm forever.”  Davis’s response; “It is you, Lord of hosts, God of Israel, who said in a revelation to your servant, I will build a house for you.  Therefore your servant now finds the courage to make this prayer to you.  And now, Lord God, you are God and your words are truth; you have made this generous promise to your servant.  Do, then, bless this house of your servant that it may be before you forever; for you, Lord, God, have promised, and by your blessing the house of your servant shall be blessed forever.”

(2 Sam 7: 12 - 13,  27- 29).

Just as we relive the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ each time we share in the Transubstantiation at Mass, so we shall renew the words of God to David and his response by accepting and continuing to be thankful of the eternal promise of the King of kings and Lord of lords shall come from the loins of David and be our Savior for all eternity.   Yes, this is Christmas,  “yesterday, today, and forever.”   (Heb 13: 8).    

We are the recipients of a divine Trinity that promised before any of us were created, before the plan of forgiving us or the manner in which each one turned away, the promise first to David and then to each one of us came through the Passion of his Son and today, Christmas, we are opening the gift of eternal life wrapped in peace, joy, and forever ours.  This is Jesus Christ who is the Father’s present to us always and without any regrets.  Be happy and treasure this gift that is life, not earned but given through graciousness. 

Ralph B. Hathaway