The readings, prayers, songs and seasonal undertakings that are upon us make clear that our lives are not static or lived in a vacuum. This is true of the totality of each life, of the totality of the community’s life, and certainly of our spiritual and religious lives. We simply cannot look fruitfully ahead if we are not able or willing to look honestly to our past. And it is a pretty sure bet that we will not truly and gratefully know the foundation on which we stand in the present if one of those two, past and future, is weak or totally lacking.

     Family Christmas trees might have several generations of ornaments on them, each with a unique story. Perhaps a collection of favorite Christmas cards, special for family photos on the covers or cherished for the special messages written in unique circumstances has an honored place among the festive decorations. Even the unique foods and generous meals we share at this time might harken back to immigrant roots or neighborhood traditions. The days for which we long and prepare – when we will celebrate the Mystery of the Incarnation, God’s Word made flesh to dwell among us – can make no sense without the ability to reach back and read or hear how human minds and hearts have received this Mystery. Equally, the true power of this Mystery is not received if it does not or cannot affect how we reach for our future.