“‘ How much?’ ‘ I never know what to buy her.’ Where did the idea come from that you need money in order to give a gift? We seem to have lost the custom, ability and time to create our own. Money today allows us to purchase a present for another; and may allow us to avoid giving a gift-of ourselves. From the secular point of view, the Christmas season is devoted to buying, giving and exchanging gifts. Yet, the meaning of ‘giving’ is destroyed each year when we think about how many gifts we give out of obligation, habit or social pressure. A gift, however is to be something of our self shared with another to show them we care.

There was a much deeper meaning in the exchange of gifts the first Christmas. God gave the gift of himself to us in Jesus. And Jesus continues to give himself to us. We are our best gifts, too.

How can we give a gift of ourselves to another? Will we give and receive many ‘presents’ this year but few ‘gifts’?” – Terrance Schneider

Terrance is calling us to rethink our views of Christmas gifts. Dear God, in that first Christmas giving, it was your giving of your Son that blessed us. Give us the wisdom to discover new ways to give and receive in your

Spirit. Amen

“Today’s solemnity of the conception of Mary falls nine months before the celebration of her birth, on September 8. Mary’s conception day became a feast in the seventh century. The church teaches that Mary was free from sin from the moment she was conceived. This special grace prepared her to be the mother of God. Mary did not earn this freedom in anyway. It was simply a gift bestowed by God.” – Companion to the Calendar

Here is the opening prayer at today’s Mass:

”Let us pray:  Oh God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin prepared a worthy dwelling for your Son, grant, we pray, that, as you preserved her from every stain by the virtue of the death of your Son, which you forsaw, so, through her intercession, we, too, may be cleansed and admitted to your presence.”

“In offices and throughout stores, it sounds – the joyful music of Christmas. We play our own favorite songs while wrapping packages, decorating the tree, opening gifts. The atmosphere is contagious. In rehearsed programs or spontaneous fun, people join their voices together to echo the harmonies of Christmas. In these musical efforts holiday warmth excites our hearts.

On that first Christmas morning, the angels filled the earth with glorious song. Even the shepherds joined them to proclaim what they had seen and heard concerning Jesus on that ‘silent, holy night’. We continue the joyful harmonies today as we lift our hearts and our voices to ‘sing in exultation; come… adore him.’

Some Christmas music, like ‘Jingle Bells,’ is fun-filled, other music is faith filled. As we hear music and songs everywhere this time of year, can we listen for the story they tell of Jesus? Can we pray the words as we sing some popular hymn or song?” – Terrance Schneider

Unfortunately many of us will not be out in the stores hearing the music but we can listen to Christmas music in our cars or at our home. The only concerts we were here will be virtually. Let these songs remind us of the true meaning of Christmas.

“ Sending Christmas Cards – Some unknown person got us into the great Christmas card writing marathon. It is usually more chore than a joy. Yet the card we send is our greeting of Christmas. The angels shouted their Christmas greeting and the shepherds found a way to share the Good News of Jesus coming. Why not us? We can select cards that spread the Good News to those who receive them. Or we can add a short personal note that will speak of Christ’s love for us. We can address each card as a caring communication, recalling one memory about the person to receive it. A family can share the task from putting stamps on to writing small notes. We can do more than simply address a Christmas card; we can address the message and spirit of Christmas to another.

Can we individually or as a family pray for each person for whom we address a card?”  – Terrance Schneider

I don’t know about you but this certainly gives me a different perspective about sending out Christmas cards. enjoy getting those cards out to your loved ones.