Advent 2008 - December 24 - Christmas Eve (Vigil)

Tomorrow is Christmas! ("It's practically here," as the Grinch remarked.)

Hodie scietis, quia veniet Dominus, et salvabit nos, et mane videbitis gloriam ejus. Domni est terra, et plenitudo ejus, orbis terrarum, et universi qui habitant in eo. Gloria Patri. Hodie.

This day you shall know that the Lord will come, and save us: and in the morning you shall see His glory. The Lord's are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it. Glory be. This day.
[Tr. St. Joseph Daily Missal

That, of course, is the introit for today's Mass. It is so exciting. I am busy today, and I am sure you are also, but I will just add a few more titles to our collection of Christmas books and shows for our consideration.

In at least two cases, a famous Christmas song appears in a movie which is otherwise not about Christmas. Both are delightful, meditative, and give the strong home-sense which is what Christmas is all about.

1. In "Mame" we hear that "We Need a Little Christmas" - right this very minute. In a difficult time of their lives, they get out all the Christmas trappings and renew the spirit. How like the Whos! How like the Church, who says the Angelus three times every day, remembering the greatest of all messages and the greatest event in all history!

2. In "Meet Me In St. Louis" we are told to "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"... this movie recalls the famous World's Fair of 1904 in St. Louis Missouri. (Some other day I will tell you a little more about that Fair.)

There are more books I ought to mention, but I will limit myself to just one.

The Christmas Bower seems to be about a young boy, a professor of ornithology, some rare birds, and a big department store, but happens to contain a couple of choice references and excellent hints about "the birthday of a boy who would one day save the world". Almost the last words of the book were by Dr. Kubicek: when his great-nephew says "this is the best Christmas ever!" he replies "How about the first Christmas ever?" These grand words have renewed the dignity of ornithologists and indeed of all scientists, at leaast in fiction. It is really a wonderful book.

And so, we finish off Advent. It's not too late to say a prayer, and remember "the first Christmas ever". Have a merry little Christmas, - we sure need it now.

God bless you and your family and friends, at Christmas and always!