Remember reason for season: Jesus is God with us

We all have Christmas expectations.  We imagine that Christmas should be marked by snowflakes gently falling from the sky; not a lot of snow that would cause travel hazards, just a little coating of the white stuff so that it looks like a Currier & Ives postcard.  Instead, maybe we get a “nor’easter.”

On Christmas, we want peace on earth, good will toward all — but in reality, we live in a world where it’s not unusual for us to experience strife, friction and division, at home, work or, yes, even in Church.

Ideally, Christmas should be spent in the company of family and friends — but sometimes that is not how we find ourselves due to the death of a loved one, a divorce, a son or daughter in the military or another who lives 2,000 miles away — grandkids growing up without us.

Well, this contrast between our Christmas expectations and Christmas reality mirrors, to a certain degree, the first Christmas.  After all, the angel made everything seem so simple to Mary. Little did she expect such a tough time finding a place to stay in such a dingy town as Bethlehem. Little did she expect to have a baby in a barn on dirty straw. Little did she know that her heart would be pierced by many swords — all because she was the mother of Jesus. Joseph, too, had received instructions by an angel about his mission in life. Again, everything seemed so simple, so guaranteed — but who would have thought that Joseph would have to leave not only Bethlehem but Israel itself and flee into Egypt with Mary and Jesus.  Who would have expected a carpenter’s life to become one of a fugitive?  Why was his life as a father cut short before his son even began his public ministry?

Our lives have changed drastically because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have to gather in small groups. We have to avoid physical contact with others, no more handshakes or hugs, just fist bumps or a wave. We cannot go out with the whole family to a restaurant for dinner; furthermore, we have been told to keep family gatherings small even at home. We now wear masks as we would everyday clothing. Social distancing requires that we not sit or stand alongside each other, whether in church, work or home.

A vaccine is on the horizon but it will take time to inoculate every person who calls the United States home.

Despite the uncomfortable restrictions COVID-19 has draped over our lives, let us not forget the true meaning of Christmas that warrants love, gratitude and joy. A savior is born, who is Christ the Lord.

Expectations are often remolded after a head-on collision with reality. But that’s okay because whether we spend Christmas in snow or a nor’easter — whether we spend Christmas with lots of people or spend it alone — whether we are dressed in silk or denim — it’s Christmas and no one can take that away from us.

We have glad tidings which bear repeating: Jesus is God with us. Merry Christmas!

Father Comandini is managing editor of The Catholic Spirit