by Rachel Connor on Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent (Christmas Eve)
While my grandfather was alive, my family used to invite him
over for dinner on Christmas Eve. We’d clean the house until it was sparking,
set out the really nice dishes, and prepare a meal of oyster stew that my
younger self thought looked better than it tasted. I always looked forward to
these evenings for two reasons: because my parents would give me a glass of
wine with dinner, and because I really liked spending time with my grandfather.
See, I have a really big family. My dad is the oldest of
nine, and my mom is one of seven children. Holiday get-togethers with the
family are loud and overcrowded, and more than a little chaotic. There are
always five different conversations going on at once and you never get to hear
all of what is going on in anyone’s life.
Christmas Eve dinners were different. We could hear each
other speak without yelling and we could be really intentional about
appreciating each other’s presence. It’s common for us to hear that an
important part of Christmas is family, but I think what that sentiment is
really getting at is that relationships are important to us, and Christmas is a
time when we are reminded of that. Not only are we reminded of our
relationships with others, but we are reminded of our relationship with Christ.
So this Christmas, amidst the running around and opening
presents and visiting relatives, remember to take some time to sit down with
one or two people and just be together, celebrating a merry little Christmas.
Questions for Reflection:
What holiday traditions do you share with your family and
how do they help you grow in relationship with Christ and others?
What tradition could you add this season that would allow you to connect more deeply with people?
-Rachel Connor is a Peer Minister at St. Mary Student Parish.
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