Sirach 48:1-11
Psalm 80:1-3, 14-18
Matthew 17:9-13
The gentle hush of winter’s approach settles over December, a season when anticipation and memories intermingle around the glow of Advent. As the days grow shorter, hearts prepare quietly for the mystery and promise of Christmas. This Saturday invites reflection not only on sacred scripture, but also on the ways tradition and childhood wonder shape our understanding of hope and joy.
At seven years old, on Christmas Eve, I sat in the living room in front of the burning fireplace with my father, mother and older brother. With Christmas tree lights on and candles burning, it was warm and cozy and full of love and peace. I was excited with anticipation of the arrival of Santa Claus.
Two years later, for the first time, my parents took me to the midnight Christmas Eve service. Our priest gave a children’s sermon before the adult sermon, and he spoke about Christmas being the celebration of the birth of Jesus. I went home with new thoughts as to what Christmas was all about. But as I went to sleep, I still hoped that Santa Claus was coming! The next morning was the first Christmas morning that Dad had to wake me up. Santa Clause did arrive! As I got older, I realized that it was the birth of Jesus that was the only important thing about Christmas.
The passage of Sirach depicts Elijah’s future role foreshadowing the coming of Jesus Christ who is associated with miracles, a time of peace, and a time of reconciliation.
Nora Bottomley