The King Triumphant Comes By: Kim Long, DRE, Saint Mary of the Pines
I HAVE ALWAYS enjoyed Christmas music. more, not less. I have always had a rebellious streak "Christmas Times A-Coming" is one of the few and I have tried to subdue, suppress, and subvert bluegrass songs of the season. I love the words, the it. Not. This. Year. I plan to go whole “hawg”and music, the happiness and security it evokes in me. fly in the face of the isolation and loneliness this Just as liturgical seasons have music reserved for that pandemic has brought me (and many others), as well time alone, so it is in the kitchen when I am cooking as other changes we could never have imagined, most for different occasions. When I make dressing unwelcome and ill fitting gifts. And while I may be for Christmas Day or gumbo for unable to “return” it, I can work to Christmas Eve I listen to bluegrass transform it. In this crazy year and this song is as much a part of 2020 has revealed the preparations as any of the other For an antidote I have made itself to be, ingredients. plans, lists, shopped for weeks-a little at a time, marshalled my many of us long The song functions as a vehicle and recipes, gathered all my Advent and for the security I am transported to a happy time Christmas prayers and novenas. and comfort of filled with family, food, and faith. I am leaving no holly unpicked, Holiday seasons have as much ritual tradition - of all seasonal and heartfelt prayers as anything else. If you doubt it invoked, every package beribboned, something that just imagine a big Christmas dinner and yes I may even wear, gulp, a does not change. without a particular dish prepared Christmas sweater. And while I by a loved one or the ceremonious am doing all this I will not have a retrieving of a platter that is used on that day or begrudged attitude, I will attempt joy and humor as I season alone. deck my own halls in an effort for not only normalcy but triumph! Although this is not a verse usually In this crazy year 2020 has revealed itself to be, many associated with Christmas I am adopting it as my of us long for the security and comfort of tradition motto-“this is the day that the Lord has made, let us of something that does not change. rejoice and be glad.” In the past few years since my own children are all “grown and gone” I have worked to minimize my “Christmas” footprint bringing out fewer decorations, watching my holiday menu becoming smaller, and generally attempting a simple version of the Christmases I have known. 2020 calls for 20 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
So friends, let our spirits soar. We are assured by scripture, that nothing, not even a pandemic and its ensuing restrictions, necessary though they may be, can ever separate us from the love of God! Rejoice and be glad!
