Who isn't included in this year's nativity scene?

THE MISSING MAN

 

     “The gospel according to our Lord, Jesus Christ.”

     “Thanks be to God,” comes the response from the congregation

     Having finished the gospel reading, Father Bob proceeds to the center aisle to begin his Christmas homily as a quiet shuffling is heard as people sit back to hear his words.

      "First off, Father John and I, wish all of you a blessed and joyful Christmas.  We pray you find the peace of the season, now, and throughout the new year ...

     ...“As many of you know, my assistant, Father O’Malley was married before entering the priesthood. And from that union came two wonderful children, Matt and Stephanie. Hearing John tell how his kids loved Christmas and the traditions they celebrated, opened a window allowing me to see Christmas from a broader perspective. Given that expanded perception, there is one person I want to talk about tonight ...

     ...“someone who isn't included in the manger scene and doesn’t receive enough recognition this time of year …

     ..."at least at Christmas Masses.”

     Hi, Tony here.  It’s a little after midnight. St. Katherine’s is one of only two Churches here in the city celebrating a traditional midnight Mass. 

     To the right of the main altar sits a glorious nativity scene. A magnificent tree lighted in all white towers behind the main altar and ropes of garland and red ribbons and bows frame the arches of the church’s interior. Adding to the beauty is an hour of Christmas music preceding the Mass; all consistent with the nature of this holy day’s celebration. Sorry, no Frosty the Snowman will be heard this evening.

     Tonight’s congregation is distinct from the usual weekly masses. People from all over the city, and beyond, attend; not to mention many who grew up here and have come home to celebrate the season with family. The pews are filled with those who love the tradition of Midnight Mass, and unlike the usual masses, there are almost no children here, especially none under ten.

     Expectant and curious looks abound in the pews.  Who is this mystery figure to whom the pastor refers?

      Knowing the pastor’s penchant for finding meaning in unusual places, this should prove interesting …

    So, let’s sit back and listen.

 

     Arrayed in a white chasuble; a beautiful image of the Holy Family embroidered in gold adorning it; the pastor looks out over his flock.

     “So, who is that figure?" he asks. "Well, here in our Christmas creche, we see Mary, Joseph, the Christ Child, the shepherds and animals, the Magi and their attendants. And let’s not forget the angels on high. But one very important person is missing.  And no, it’s not the little drummer boy."

     Soft chuckles roll through the pews.

     "No, I’m talking about the man of the hour; at least for the little ones, home snug in their beds, waiting for him and his eight tiny reindeer." 

     The volume of the laughter intensifies as a crafty smile lights up the priest’s face.

     "Not exactly who you were expecting, huh?"

     The laughter continues. Nodding, Father Bob continues.

     "As I have gotten older in my ministry, I’ve grown more tolerant of the commercial aspect of Christmas; and less of those who grumble and complain about it. I disagree with them. Christmas is a birthday party; there should be candy canes and presents.  Christmas is about gifts. From the Magi, to St. Nicholas, to Father Christmas, Kris Kringle and our own Santa Claus, gifts are the currency of Christmas.  We give to each other; to celebrate the magnificent gift our Heavenly Father gives to us. ...  

     ..."Now, there are those who say the legend of Santa Claus is detrimental to a child’s development. Me; I think the opposite is true ...  

     ..."You see, for children asleep with visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads, the arrival of Santa is the beginning of embracing both mystery, and reality. To a child, Santa is the initial embodiment of the presence of an overarching being of absolute goodness."

     Pausing, another impish smile ambles across the pastor’s face. 

     "By the way, if anyone knows what a sugarplum is, or tastes like, please see me after Mass.  I’ve wondered about that for more than fifty years now."

     More laughter. 

     "Okay, back to Saint Nick. If guided well by his or her first teachers, the child’s parents, the little tyke, excited at the arrival of the jolly ole Elf is taking the first step to embracing a more profound reality … the wonder of finding a God of eternal love and care watching over all of us."

     Pausing, Father Bob takes a sip from a glass of water sitting on a table in front of the first row of pews, then continues.

      "Now, it’s true, ole Kris Kringle doesn’t appear anywhere in the gospels, or in the manger. Nope, just cattle and sheep; not a reindeer in sight." 

     Again, the pastor pauses and smiles.  

     "After all, I don’t want anyone calling the bishop tomorrow and saying St. Kate’s pastor has taken a long walk off a short pier." 

     More quiet laughter courses through the congregation.

     "But Santa was there; or maybe I should say, is here, and his presence is important, not only for children, but for everyone, really. ...

     ..."You see, like Santa, the nativity is a yearly one-time event. But to really understand, or maybe better celebrate, Christmas is to graduate to the understanding joy comes not once a year, but every day. A gift from above, from a heavenly Father; the bread of life come down from heaven. Not in a manger, but on an altar every day. ...

     ..."And when we give a small child a cup of water, when we do unto others, we do it to Him as He told us; that’s the gift that keeps on giving. ...

     ..."Is Santa Claus real; we all know the answer. But don’t tell that to a five-year-old in the morning.  In the child’s eyes is a great gift for you, if you see and accept it ...

    ..."What gift you ask ... the gift of anticipation. ...

      ..."As the child reaches that age, the age of reason, where the question of the reality of Santa begins to creep into his or her consciousness, that enhanced human understanding we call growth, occurs. And here it is important to not only not bury Santa but to present and encourage a child’s progression of belief from a merry old elf who brings toys and presents, to the very real savior; neither legend nor myth, who brings the joy of life eternal in a realm of peace, love, and joy together with Him, the Father, and the Holy Spirit, for all time." 

     Again, pausing, another impish smile light up the pastor’s face.

     "A place a lot warmer than the North Pole."

     Pausing to let the soft laughter dissipate, he continues.    

     "And especially better than an eternal lump of coal in your stocking." 

     And again, another undercurrent of laughter ripples through the congregation. 

     "I remember John telling me Stephanie was crushed when learning of the reality of the jolly ole Elf. But what John said that struck me most was, in time, the legend of Santa Claus, gave him a foundation to build on and thus help her build a belief in the great gift of God to mankind in His Son. That early legend of goodness and generosity eventually helped her to come to believe in the presence of a greater power of love, generosity, and joy." 

     "I wish for all of you that the greatest gift you receive this Christmas is a gift given by a small child … that simple gift of anticipation. Let that wonderful vision in their eyes, light up your soul.  Let a child’s vision of goodness and generosity in a red suit, stocking cap, long white beard and shiny black boots with his sack full of toys, become your vision of He who said ‘I’ve come to give you life and life more abundantly’ … the treasure of eternal life and never-ending joy." 

     Again sipping from the glass of water, Father Bob pauses, then continues.

     … “'unless you become as one of these little ones …you shall not see God.' Our Lord’s words. I pray this season, through the eyes of a child, you embrace that wonderful anticipation of not only this day … but also another day … that day we meet the Christ Child, not in a manger as a helpless infant, but as the God of creation, of power and might, on His throne of glory." 

     "Again, Merry Christmas …

     … "and Peace."

 

     Oh, you better not shout, you better not cry, you better not pout I’m telling you why …

     Because…

     … He sees you when you’re sleeping, He knows when you’re awake

     He knows if you’ve been bad or good …

     so be good for goodness’ sake.

     A thought only for Christmas?

     Thinkaboutit … I’m Tony Baggz.

Copyright© 2024 Tres Angeli LLC

TONY'S TOWN RERUNS

Here we offer a previously offered episode of Tony's Town.  It might be a request from a reader who joined the folks in our neighborhood after the episode was "aired," or a previously offered episode that resonates with current events.  Or maybe we want to offer it again, just for the fun of it.  So, please enjoy.  

Not only at Easter, but at Christmas someone rose from the dead.

THE CHRISTMAS RESURRECTION STORY

 

     “You look bewildered, Father.  Can I help?”

     “Maybe, Sam; I’m stumped. I need something for my Christmas sermon. … shame Martin isn’t here; he always comes up with good ideas.”

     Pausing, he smiles at the strawberry blonde with the coffee pot in hand. 

     “Got any ideas?” 

     “You mean something more than Jesus being the great Christmas gift to mankind?”

     “Exactly, I think I’ve preached the same sermon for the last three years. I need something new.”

     Pausing, Father O’Malley sips his coffee. Setting his cup down, he breaks a cinnamon roll in half.

     “… something fresh,” he says.

     Winking, a crafty smile ambles across Sam’s face. “… the babe in the manger as a present from Heaven is getting stale, I take it?”

     “Yea,” he chuckles. “Been there, done that.  Like I said, I think I’ve preached the same sermon for the last three years.”

     “Well, a manger is a feeding trough.  How about the living bread come down from heaven and the significance of the manger itself.”

     Chuckling, Father John shakes his head. “You’ve been listening to Joey and what he teaches in RCIA, haven’t you?”

     Sam laughs and the conversation lapses as both proprietress and patron ponder the dilemma.

     Shrugging his shoulders, Father John sighs. “I need something different … something to get the creative juices flowing.”

     A playful smile wanders across Sam’s face.  Refilling the priest’s coffee cup, she chuckles softly.

     “Well, how about the Christmas resurrection story?”

 

     Hi I’m Tony Baggz.  It’s the Tuesday morning before Christmas here in Sam’s bistro. Christmas is Saturday, and Father Bob and Father John are at the front table; notepad and pen in hand, enjoying morning coffee and a cinnamon roll. 

     Seems this morning finds Father John working on the sermon for the Christmas masses and seems he’s in a bit of a quandary.  He and Martin Williams, the pastor of Mt. Nebo Baptist often collaborate on the sermons they preach in their respective congregations. Unfortunately, Martin’s under the weather this morning so it’s just the good priest and the bistro’s proprietress.

     Sam’s suggestion is intriguing, and from the look on the padre’s face, I get a feeling he’s thinking the same thing.  This could be interesting.

     What do you say we grab a cup of coffee and listen in…

 

     “Resurrection is an Easter concept, Sam.  Christmas is the promise, Easter is the promise fulfilled. Christmas is the great gift of Himself, given by God to mankind.  That’s generally the nature of homilies at Christmas masses. Like I said, resurrection is an Easter topic. Not sure if it fits.”

     “Okay, but there is one definite resurrection that takes place at Christmas. You just have to look a bit for it.”

     Another puzzled look ambles across the priest’s face.

     “Resurrection story? I don’t understand; what resurrection story … how about a hint?”

     Smiling, she bends toward the two priests and whispers …

     …  “Ebenezer.”

     Pausing a moment, a look of dawning understanding replaces the confusion on the Father John’s face.

     “You’re talking, Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, and Tiny Tim. Granted, a classic; but not the usual stuff of a Christmas homily.”

     A playful smile ambles across Sam’s face. “Oh, I don’t know; a man coming back from the dead certainly seems religious to me. Maybe ole Ebenezer coming back from the dead at Christmas, foreshadows an even greater resurrection?”

     Father Bob pauses a moment.  “… back from the dead” he muses, half to himself.  “Dicken’s, A Christmas Carol. I always liked the one with George C. Scott as Scrooge.” 

     “I always liked that one growing up, too,” Sam says. “But in my house, now it's The Muppet Christmas Carol. It's Emily Ann’s favorite.”

     “Stephanie loved it too ... still does actually,” Father John chuckles. “She has the DVD; plays it every Christmas. Gotta admit, her passion for that version of the story has also infected my appreciation for the classic tale.”

     Chuckling softly, Sam gently shakes her head. “To be honest, Father, I’ve seen the Muppet version so many times, I can sing along with the vegetables when Scrooge makes his appearance”

     “…if Scrooge was a flavor, he’d be sour …” Father John laughs.  “Guess who else has seen it more than a couple of times, he says, winking at Sam.”

     Topping off the priest’s cup, Sam’s words become more introspective.

     “But seriously, think of it; Scrooge is despised by everyone. His greed, his lack of civility, charity, and decency makes him like the gold he craves; cold and hard. There’s no life in a gold coin, and there’s certainly no life in the soul of a man like Scrooge.”

     “You’ve got a point, Sam. When a man has no value, or maybe better, the only value he has is his hard, cold, lifeless gold coins, in a sense, he’s dead. At least spiritually, and probably emotionally.”

     Pausing and looking up at Sam, Father John extends a chair.  

     “If you have the time, Sam, please have a seat and we’ll hatch a sermon, together,” he says, laughing softly.

     Taking the offered seat and pouring herself a cup of coffee, Sam continues her thought.

     “And if Christmas is the gift of life and the promise of redemption, eternal life, and unending and happiness, then Scrooge was offered his life back.”

     “Interesting take, Sam,” Father John says.

     His enthusiasm for Sam’s idea growing, Father John begins jotting notes on his notepad.

     “Christmas is about gifts. The Magi gave gifts to the Christ child; St. Nicholas gave gifts in honor of the Christ child, and the child in the manger gives Scrooge a gift from above,” the priest says, a faraway look in his eyes as he ponders the implication of Dickens’ story.   

     Pausing, Sam tops off both coffee cups and asks her assistant manager, Leslie, to bring a couple more pastries.

     “Scrooge is dead, at least spiritually," the priest says as he writes. "So, Christ sends Ebenezer a gift; the Holy Spirit in the form of the three ghosts of Christmas.”

     Pausing to sip his coffee, a sparkle illuminates Father’s eyes.

    “A trinity of ghosts,” he says.  “An interesting number don’t you think?”

     “You’re thinking the three ghosts are an allegory for the three persons in the trinity as in God always was, is now, and always will be,” Sam says. “Kinda like Scrooge sees in a night, what was, is now, and will be.”

     Nodding in agreement, Father John looks up from his notepad and smiles at his muse.

     “A trinity of ghosts provides Scrooge a look at the totality of his life; where the past has brought him, the present finds him, and his future will ultimately lead him,” he says.

     “Christ gave Scrooge gifts from beyond; the gifts of life, of love, and joy,” Sam says aloud as the priest writes with renewed fervor. “Ebenezer was dead to all that life holds joyous, and he was given the gift of rising from his greed, from his apathy and his cruel, callous nature, to a man held in esteem for his warmth, his compassion, and his generosity.”

     Pausing to sip her coffee, Sams eyes light up. “Do you think he was given the insight to see in Tiny Tim and the Cratchit’s in their poor little home, a similar family struggling in a manger many years ago?”

     “Interesting thought, Sam,” Father John says, chuckling softly and again jotting down her words in his folder.

     “But no matter how you look at it,” Sam continues, “Scrooge rose from a life of greed and apathy to one alive with joy, compassion, and love for all; especially those less fortunate. He realized joy is found, not in acquisition, but in expression; in giving of himself and his talents. In giving love.”

     “Yea, Sam,” Father John says. “Through the Spirit, the Holy Ghost, a lost soul is resurrected from the dead. Are we extending the concept of resurrection? … yea, a bit. But coming back from the dead, in whatever form death presents itself, is a resurrection.”

     Smiling, Sam nods at Father John’s words.

     “And, like Joey teaches in the RCIA program,” she says, “if love is the heart, the mind, and the soul’s recognition of those unmatched gifts in all of us, then what Ebenezer found …

     … surely brought him back from the dead.”

 

     Archbishop Fulton Sheen once said, “sometimes the only way God can enter a human heart, is to break it.”  Do you think the good Archbishop penned that thought while watching a production of Charles Dickens’ classic; A Christmas Carol?

     If he’s like Sam, her little girl Emily Ann, Father John’s daughter, Stephanie, and okay, I admit, me too, he may well have been big a fan of Gonzo, Rizzo the Rat, and Mr. Caine; not to mention Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and all the rest of the world according to Jim Henson.

     Jesus raised three people from the dead.

     Mr. Dickens’ story raises an interesting possibility …

     … might there have been a fourth?

     Thinkaboutit … I’m Tony Baggz.

 Copyright © 2023 Tres Angeli Publishing LLC

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