169 Dec. 25, ’23
It’s so good to be here, sharing my life with you. It makes me so much more than I would be if alone. Thanks for being here in the busy time.
I made it through my existential theological ruminating, surviving enough to get to the good part of Christmas, the Presents. It would be great if all the other stuff could just be dropped and we went entirely to Giving, really taking it seriously instead of a fluff we enjoyed once a year. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the spirit of Santa ruled, in a deep and lifestyle-way? Greater and deeper than any present religion, for its awareness is already within everyone. Then, the world would truly have a chance.
This may be more than a pipedream. At the rate people are leaving churches, fewer of us really have any idea of the traditional Christ Child. With all religious stuff banned from schools, you don’t see Nativity Scenes other than in churches or some stores that sell decorations.
I’m becoming even more hopeful as I’m writing this. Only a year ago, I was in the tradition of deriding those of the Santa-side for corrupting and commercializing the day. Now I can see that it’s Santa that has the best chance to really make something great out of this mess. If we can only hold things together for a while longer. This next generation has such knowledge and experience. They’ll know much more than we, that real giving/sharing is simply the only way to live, if they want to survive. The genetic trait that allowed us to raise ourselves among other species, our sharing-giving, is the one that, if reclaimed, will enable our very existence. It almost seems that caring and sharing are what we are designed to do and be, and that all other paths are taken at our peril.
So, let’s enjoy our presents. They are not only fun, it’s smart, no matter how we name things. Let’s remember the many small ways we support and help each other. They are gifts also. At Christmas it’s good to remind ourselves of this, and to be sure to verbalize to each other the many and constant gifts we share. Be not hesitant to speak in these terms, allowing and encouraging each other to seek, find, name and share this Holy process of gifting, nurtured and enlivened by the joy and laughter of the Presents.
Santa, I’m with you, all the way.
Anthony, ho ho ho (Repeat ten times, please.)–
