INovember / December 2009

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Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room!

by Theresa Cavicchio

nd [Mary] gave birth to herfirstborn son. She wrapped himin swaddling clothes and laidhim in a manger,because there

was no room for them in the inn” (Lk 2:7)We know this account of Jesus’ birth so

very well, and the almost tangible atmospherepenetrating these familiar words. If we thinkabout it, we soon discover that what we’resensing, relayed so clearly in Luke’s economyof language, is the unmistakable air of poverty.

The Catechism of the Catholic Churchreminds us, “Jesus was born in a humble stable,into a poor family. . . In this poverty heaven’sglory was made manifest” (525). Thedichotomy of poverty versus heavenly glory,the glory of God Incarnate, offers plentiful foodfor meditation in Advent, that special time ofwaiting during which the Church “makespresent this ancient expectancy of the Messiah”(524).

The Christmas story’s elements havebecome so much a part of our traditions thatit’s easy to take them for granted. Advent is theperfect time to meditate on the Nativity withgreater care and attention, beginning with acloser look at one aspect of the Christmas storywhich even young children can identify – themanger.

One derivation of the word manger comesfrom the French verb meaning to eat; a mangeris a feeding trough for animals. However, themanger into which Mary laid her newborn Sonwas possibly quite different from thereproductions in the typical Nativity setup inhomes, churches, and artistic renderings. Ratherthan the familiar freestanding woodenreceptacle, the Infant Jesus’ first bed may wellhave been a ledge carved into rock in a caveserving as an animals’ stall, or a rudimentary

Use the season of Advent to prepare a manger for Jesus – in your heart!

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COOKING WITH GRACEtrough fashioned from clay, stones, andstraw mixed with mud, then allowed to dryand harden – not exactly a cozy crib.

We can be sure, though, that Mary andJoseph did their best to adapt the mangerat Bethlehem, providing for the BabyJesus’ comfort as these extremely limitedresources allowed. Straw, commonlyavailable, would have made a clean, drycushioning bed for the holy Infant.

Approaching the idea of the Christmasmanger from another, spiritual angle, weponder a deeper question: how best to usethe season of Advent to fashion a suitableplace in our hearts where our newbornSavior can enter and remain. How can weemulate Mary and Joseph, making themanger of our hearts a warm, welcomingreceptacle for Jesus? This is a questionwe can consider from both child and adultperspectives.

To begin with a bit of history, St.Francis of Assisi was largely responsiblefor originating the recreation of theNativity scene. Shortly before Christmasin 1223 A.D., at Greccio, Italy, Francisasked a faithful friend to help stage a newway to celebrate the Nativity. A Franciscanreligious contemporary, Thomas ofCelano, recounts in his biography of thesaint that Francis stated his desire to “setbefore our bodily eyes in some way theinconveniences of [Jesus’] infant needs,how he lay in a manger, how, with an oxand an ass standing by, he lay upon thehay where he had been placed” (The FirstLife of St. Francis).

Francis’ friend prepared the scene justas requested, including live animals and asmall hay-lined crib. Midnight Mass wascelebrated for numerous villagers andreligious in the torch-lit beauty of a newBethlehem. Overcome with joy at thewondrous sight, St. Francis chanted theGospel, then preached heartfelt sentimentsconcerning the humble birth of the Babeof Bethlehem. From this modest beginningsprang the tradition continued in churchesand homes world-wide nearly eightcenturies later.

When asked how we can make themanger of our hearts a fitting resting placefor Jesus during Advent, some modern-day

children offered practical ideas such askeeping younger siblings amused, helpingaround the house, being quiet when asked.They also mention attending Mass,donating gifts to the needy, and addingstraw to empty mangers at home daily torepresent their good deeds. Their goalwould be the ideal manger, one theydescribe as warm, soft, and cozy;comfortable, loving, and safe.

Admittedly, the question for adults ismore complex. But must it be so? In theend, each of us gets to decide how we want

the manger of our hearts to be. Ourmodern-day tendency to commercializethe season and to let the resulting stressestake us off our spiritual course can onlyproduce a manger which is cold, hard, andunwelcoming. How do we simplify thingsto achieve that childlike ideal crib ofwarmth and comfort?

There is also the question of space. Ifwe allow our hearts to becomeovercrowded with superficial cares; ifshopping, decorating, baking, andentertaining preoccupy us totally, how canthere be any room left for the Guest ofHonor’s bed? It’s as if our manger simply

Let’s make thisAdvent season a

memorable,meaningful time,not for bargains

bought or cookiesbaked, but for thesimple beauty and

comfort of creating avery special mangerfor the Christ Child– the one we fashion

in our hearts.

cannot squeeze itself into the tiny spaceremaining once all the seasonal distractionshave taken up residence.

Another consideration is the effect ofour Advent attitude on those around us,particularly our children. Youngsters taketheir lead from the adults in their lives. Ifparents focus mainly on secular concerns,children also will consider them mostimportant. Maybe things can bereprioritized this year. Taking time todiscuss the Nativity story can lead tohelping your children make a simplemanger (see www.ewtn.com/CatholicCrafts/manger.htm for anexample). Strips of paper or straw can beadded to your manger daily, perhaps justbefore night prayer, one piece for eachloving act. As the manger fills, childrencan visualize the preparation of their heartsto welcome the Christ Child.

On the adult level, attendance atAdvent weekday Mass or Adoration, evenonce weekly, can enhance our spiritualefforts greatly. At home, we can make abit of quiet time to spend with Mary andJoseph, reflecting on her preparations forJesus’ birth and his concerns for the familyentrusted to him. Online and printresources provide brief meditations basedon daily Scripture readings; a few minutesinvested each morning can shine a wholenew light onto a busy, distracting day.Visits to other area churches to viewdifferent representations of the Nativity cangenerate family discussions. Interiormangers can’t help but benefit from suchsmall investments of time and attention.For even more great ideas, an excellentresource can be found at http://www.wf-f.org/Creche.html .

Let’s make this Advent season amemorable, meaningful time, not forbargains bought or cookies baked, but forthe simple beauty and comfort of a veryspecial manger for the Christ Child – theone we fashion in our hearts. There Jesuswill find the only opulence He desires. Letevery heart prepare Him room!

“And the Word became flesh and madehis dwelling among us” (Jn 1:14)Theresa Cavicchio is a wife, mother, andfreelance writer from Pennsylvania.

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Incarnational EtiquetteHow to turn the simplest holiday gestures into priceless gifts of love

by Linda McCullough Moore

dvent. Christmas. Theseason when we celebratethe Incarnation, the comingof God to humankind, thecoming of promise to

reality, of peace, good will to earth.Christmastime gives us a chance toinfuse our own acts of graciousness withsomething we might call incarnation,that is, with the embodiment of grace.

As written communication becomesmore often electronic, a letter in the mailcan be a treasure. But in this season wemight be more incarnational, callingfriends and family on the telephone, evenpaying a visit, especially to one wholives alone, to speak our season’sgreetings, or to demonstrate ourthankfulness and love in person. Giventhe choice of a new sweater or a longvisit on a winter afternoon, many heartswould choose the latter.

In this season we remember God’soffering Himself as the babe in themanger, and so we too offer ourselves.We might anticipate the season andcreate greeting cards of our own. We maywrite to tell a loved one how much theyare deeply cherished. Our gifts mightalso be handmade, making them thatmuch more special and evident of ourlove.

Christmas entertaining is one morebeautiful opportunity to bless our friendsand family with gifts of incarnation, ofbeing present and available and caring.It is a truly gracious act to design ourgatherings and parties keeping two veryspecial rules in mind. First, the offeringof decoration, celebration, and occasionis a worthy gift. Our efforts say, “You

are important. I love to please you. Thistime is special and worth honoring.”

Second, with all our preparation wemust allow for comfort, ease, and for theunexpected. We must be willing toinclude a last-minute guest, to offer whatis needed, be it diet, quiet, merriment,or even solitude. The gracious hostess isthe one who makes her guests feel athome.

In this season when we welcome theOne who found no room at the inn, whocame to be born in a lowly manger, letus offer our very best, in fact ourselves,in graciousness to one another. Invitinga lonely, single person to share ChristmasDay reminds us of the words of Jesus: Ifyou have done it unto one of the least ofthese, you have done it unto Me.

And, when we are the guests atChristmas gatherings, our truest presencematters. We respond to invitationspromptly and in the form requested. It isa gift to arrive on time, a gift to stay afterand help the hostess with the clean-up.

We give of ourselves when we reach outto the stranger in the room. We offerconversation, interest, kindness. And wecome to understand as we delve into themagic and the majesty of this holy seasonthat offering ourselves, our time, and ourattention is the very heart of etiquette,of good manners. It is the grace ingracious living.

Christmas brings its own flurry ofquestions: Who to tip? How much?When to give cash or gifts? We findguidelines everywhere, but there is onerule that’s best, one guiding principle thatanswers every sort of question. TheIncarnate One, our Lord, says this: Dounto others as you would have them dounto you. Not only does this instructionguide us right, but it draws us closer tothe One whose birth we celebrate, withgratitude and joy.

Linda McCullough Moore, essayist andfiction writer, lives and writes fromNorthampton, Massachusetts.

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Can You Hear This Baby Cry?by Kathleen McCarthy

he Father sent His own true sonTo be born of Mary’s womb.And yet as Joseph and MarysearchedFor this child there was no room.

How can this be, dear Joseph thought“No room for Yahweh’s son?”Dismayed and sad He tried againAnd finally just this one.

A drafty damp and smelly stableWhere sheep and mules abideJoseph looked with love at MaryHe wanted to give up and cry.

I know God will take care of you.After all it is His Son.But deep inside anxiety grewFor her time had finally come.

So tired and so weary nowConcern showing on her face.She looks about in disbeliefCan this stable be my birthing place?

Amidst the odor and the coldWas born the King of Kings.Snuggled in His Mother’s armsFor warmth against the winds.

This little tiny Holy ChildWas truly “God Most High.”How could His mother comprehendThat for the world He’d die.

I shall name this child “Jesus,”Joseph was heard to say.His heart swelled for love of MaryAs she laid Him in the hay.

This new born infant baby boyWho was born of Mary’s fleshHad His little sacred heartTucked in His tiny chest.

Oh can you see Him yawning nowOr stretching in the manger,This tiny boy of Mary’sThis tiny little stranger.

This little baby Jesus,With His charismatic heartHad no place to rest His headRight from the very start.

Mary kissed His outstretched handsAnd caressed His little feet.Being unaware of course,That nails would pass through each.

This warm and tender baby boySo flawless and unmarredWould one day hang upon a crossBloody, pain-racked and scarred.

Can you hear this baby cry?He cries for you and IFor all the sins we will commitFor you and I He’ll die.

He will do it so each of us will liveForever, through His birth.So we will never ever forgetWhat each of us is worth.

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Song of the Incarnationby Pat Gohn

utside my window aninsistent little bird chirpsaway. His song announcesthe arrival of the sun after

days of clouds and cold rain. His joyfulmelody entices me to move into the light,to stand full face in the sun, soaking upthe rays that have brought an end to darkand dismal days.

The Church is in the midst of singinganother song and its persistent carol tellsof Him who comes: Emmanuel. God-with-us. Moving from Advent toChristmas, we are invited to stand beforethe transcendent Light of the World,shining from the holy visage of a babein a manger. There we may adore the Sonof God full face, basking in the rays ofHis glory.

Behold the Incarnation – The Wordmade flesh! (Jn 1:14.) “Such is thejoyous conviction of the Church from herbeginning whenever she sings the‘mystery of our religion’: ‘He wasmanifested in the flesh…’” (Cf. 1 Tim3:16.)

So states paragraph 463 of theCatechism of the Catholic Church, (CCC463), a helpful guide in going deeper inour understanding of just what theChurch is singing about when it comesto the Incarnation.

Faith in the Incarnation is thedistinctive sign of the Christian faith.The Incarnation is the greatest gift of theChristmas season, and every season: Itis Jesus, our Creed declares, who “forus and for our salvation, came down fromheaven: by the power of the Holy Spirithe was born of the Virgin Mary, andbecame man.”

The Incarnation is defined as thewonderful union of God and Man – inthe Person of Jesus Christ, the Son of

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God, the second Person of the Trinity.He is both true God and true man, notpart God and part man (CCC 461, 464).

Why did the Word become flesh?The Church teaches four reasons for theIncarnation.

First, the Word became flesh toreconcile us to God (CCC 457).

Since the fall of man andwoman (Gen 3), the presenceof sin and death entered theworld, and all humanity isafflicted. Without God, theworld is filled with darknessand misery. But not all is lost.

St. Paul recounts the goodnews of the Incarnation: “…asone man’s trespass led to thecondemnation of [all]… so oneman’s act of righteousness leadto acquittal and life for [all.]For as by one man’sdisobedience many were madesinners, so by one man’sobedience many will be maderighteous. “ (Rom 5:18-19).The universality of sin anddeath is overcome with theuniversality of salvation inChrist.

The Omnipotent God’sradical step – assuming humannature – accomplishes oursalvation in that same humannature. The Incarnation revealsGod himself and his love for usin one bold stroke!

The second reason for theIncarnation is that we mightknow God’s love in its fullestdimension (CCC 458).

For centuries before Christ,God has been revealing himselfand his gratuitous love for his people.The Old Testament declares God’sfidelity to his chosen people. God’s lovewas depicted as a father’s love for hisson, yet, stronger than a mother’s lovefor her children, and even deeper than aspousal union. CCC 219 states:

“God loves his people more thana bridegroom his beloved, his

love will be victorious over eventhe worst infidelities and willextend to his most precious gift:‘God so loved the world that hegave his only Son.’ (Jn 3:16, Cf.Hos 11:1, Isa 49:14-15; 62:4-5;Ezek 16, Hos 11.).”

The coming of God’s Son to earthwas a gift of immense magnitude andGod prepared his people for it throughhistory. Jesus came to reveal the Wordand the image of the Father who isreflected in his likeness. Furthermore,thanks to the Incarnation, and throughour baptism, we can have intimateknowledge of God and his love, as weare made his children.

Third, the Word became flesh to beour model of holiness (CCC 459). Aschildren of God, we take the example ofJesus as our guide for living lives ofholiness.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth,and the life; no one comes to the Father,but by me”, (Mt 11:29.) His witness

fulfills the ultimate model ofself-sacrificing love: “Loveone another, as I have lovedyou.”(Jn 15:12.)

Finally, the fourth reasonfor the Incarnation, and thereason I find most astounding,is to make us “partakers ofdivine nature” (2 Pet 1:4),(CCC 460). St. Peter taught it,and it has been a consistentteaching since apostolic times.

St. Athanasius, thirdcentury bishop and Doctor ofthe Church who sufferedpersecution and fought heresy,described it this way: “For theSon of God became man so thatwe might become God.”

Another Church Doctor,St. Thomas Aquinas writes:“The only-begotten Son ofGod, wanting to make ussharers in his divinity, assumedour nature, so that he, mademan, might make men gods.”This is “the great exchange” –the most amazing paradox inhuman history! As if God“becoming man” wasn’tenough, the Lord God not onlystoops to the level of hischildren, but in so doing, raisesthem up! And he did it bypartaking of our human nature.

That’s Incarnation.It’s enough to make me want to sing!

O come let us adore Him!

Pat Gohn is a wife, mother, writer, andhost of the Among Women podcast. Visitwww.patgohn.com.

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More than a Day: Celebrating the 12Days of Christmas

Did you ever notice how everyoneseems so exhausted with Christmas bythe time it arrives? Do your neighborshave their trees on the curb the next day?If you answered yes to these questions,you’re in good company. Bishop RobertJ. Baker was taking a stroll oneChristmas evening in historicCharleston, South Carolinawhen he was nearly struck bya Christmas tree thatsomeone flung from a secondfloor balcony. It saddenedhim to think that the familyhad not even celebratedChristmas for the entire day,so he did a series on EWTNto help families make themost out of the Christmasseason.

Here are a few simplesuggestions to help keep yourfamily’s Christmascelebration alive for theentire season, beginning withthe traditional Twelve Daysof Christmas.

Dec 25Feast of the Nativity

Start your celebration ofthe birth of Our Lord withHoly Mass. Back at home,serenade Baby Jesus, singing“Silent Night” as you placeHis statue in the familymanger. Read the nativitystory in the Gospel of Luke.Christmas Day has its ownmagic when celebrated withyour own family traditions.If you are blessed withmusicians in the family, ask

them to play a concert of carols insteadof turning on the TV. Have a family singalong, or storytelling fest, taking turnssharing favorite Christmas memories.Make a video or audio tape of the storiesto create a keepsake.

Dec 26St Stephen’s Day

On this feast of the Church’s firstmartyr, read the account of St. Stephenwho, while being stoned to death, saw aconsoling vision of Christ in heaven

(Acts 6 and 7). In England,this day is called “BoxingDay” because this was theday servants received theirChristmas gifts. It’s a goodday to remember the poorby dropping off donationsof food to the local pantry,or unused toys as thechildren make room fortheir new ones. Sing “GoodKing Wenceslas” in honorof this charitable king.

Dec 27St John the Evangelist/

Feast of the Holy Family

An old custom for thefeast of the BelovedDisciple is to drink mulledwine (red wine boiled for 5minutes with cinnamonsticks, cloves, sugar, andnutmeg). It is called “StJohn’s Love.”

Although St. John wasthe only apostle, whowasn’t martyred, “it wasn’tfor his enemies’ lack oftrying. According tolegend, St. John was servedpoisoned wine, but survivedbecause he blessed the winebefore he put it to his lips;the poison rose from thechalice in the shape of a

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Special Advent and Christmas Edition Insert 2009Special Advent and Christmas Edition Insert 2009Special Advent and Christmas Edition Insert 2009Special Advent and Christmas Edition Insert 2009Special Advent and Christmas Edition Insert 2009serpent. In his happy memory, Catholicsbring wine to church, which the priestblesses, turning it into a sacramentalcalled the ‘Love of St. John.’ Catholicsuse this sacramental wine for specialoccasions throughout the year and togive to the sick. When it is drunk on hisFeast Day, we drink it before dinner as atoast to St. John. The Father of the houselifts his glass toward the Mother andsays, ‘I drink you the love of St. John.’The Mother replies ‘I thank you for theLove of St. John.’” (from the Fisheaterswebsite)

The feast of the Holy Family, whichis always celebrated on the first Sundayafter Christmas, falls on the 27th this year.After Mass, sit down to a second“Christmas dinner” with familymembers you did not see on ChristmasDay, or invite someone who had a lonelyChristmas. Celebrate God’s gift offamily by playing old videos featuringyour children, or getting out the photoalbums. Thank God in your nightlyprayers for the gift of family.

Dec 28Feast of the Holy Innocents

This day honors the Holy Innocents,the children in Bethlehem who weremartyred as King Herod’s soldiers triedto kill the baby Jesus. Some parishesoffer a special Mass to pray for theintercession of these first martyrs andremember miscarried and abortedbabies. Celebrate the babies in your ownlife; if you do not have your own baby;pay a new mom a visit and bring aprepared meal. Offer to baby-sit orhouseclean. Join a rosary procession forthe end of abortion, like the Sisters ofLife and Franciscan Friars of theRenewal do every year, ending at theChurch of the Holy Innocents inManhattan. Sing the somberly beautiful“Coventry Carol” which came from a16th Century mystery play in Coventry,England re-enacting Herod’s slaughterof the innocents.

Here is the third verse:

Herod the King, in his raging,Charged he hath this day;His men of might, in his own sight,All children young, to slay.

Dec 29St Thomas Becket

St Thomas Becket was martyredwhile saying Mass in the cathedral inCanterbury, England by four Frenchknights. For centuries, the cathedral wasa site of pilgrimage, inspiring GeoffreyChaucer’s “Canterbury Tales.” Watchthe classic movie “Becket” and discusswhat it means to be a witness to the truthsof the Faith today. Go on pilgrimage toa local shrine or enjoy an outdoornativity scene.

Dec 31Pope St Sylvester I /

New Year’s Eve

Have a New Year’s Eve party withfamily and friends at home. Invitefriends over for snacks and specialbubbly drinks. At midnight, have thechildren go outside with sparklers andnoisemakers to announce the New Year.Have the guests sign a Happy New Yearsign, each mentioning the best thing thathappened during the year as you enjoy amidnight buffet. Share a prayer for theNew Year before bidding your guestsgoodnight.

Jan 1Solemnity of Mary, Mother of

God/New Year’s Day 4

This is a holy day of obligation, soafter going to Mass dressed in blue forOur Lady, say the rosary as a family.After dinner for dessert, serve a speciallydecorated cake (we use white icing withblue sprinkles and a plastic holy card orlittle statue). At 6 PM, watch the NewYear’s Concert of the Vienna

Philharmonic on PBS. ThePhilharmonic features an all Strausswaltz program, with delightfullycostumed dancers waltzing in Viennesepalaces.

Jan 3Feast of the Epiphany

During Advent and Christmas, havethe children collect beads in a decorativebox for every good deed. On the Feastof the Epiphany, the children, dressed inroyal robes with crowns process to themanger, laying their gifts of good worksin front of Baby Jesus while the familysings “We Three Kings.” Save a specialChristmas gift to give to the children onthis day, like the families from LatinAmerica do in celebration of “Los TresReyes” (The Three Kings). Mark themolding over your front door with theinitials of the kings Caspar, Melchoir,and Balthasar. 20+C+M+B+10. Givethe children chocolate gold coins, andlet them smell fragrant frankincense andmyrrh (Leaflet Missal catalogue). Servetea and Epiphany Cake, which is afestive cake with three beans bakedinside, one for each of the Three Kings.Finish your celebrating by watching thefilm: “The Fourth Wise Man.”

After Epiphany, the Christmasseason ends on Jan. 10 with the Baptismof the Lord. Celebrate with familymembers by burning their Baptismalcandles and looking at the photos fromtheir Baptism. You can watch theBaptism scene from a movie like “Jesusof Nazareth.”

Even if you can only incorporate oneor two of these customs into yourcelebration of the days after Christmas,you will have the satisfaction that, unlikethe gifts which will soon be forgotten,your family has participated in thecomplete celebration of the birth of theKing of Kings.

Leticia Velasquez is a nationallyrecognized writer on faith and familyissues.