Midnight Mass

It's raining right now over Chicago. Only remnants of snow are left in patches along grassy areas. We just drove home from our Christmas Eve celebration at Ralph & Mary's in Tinley Park. It's a surreal drive to their house because we usually head out there about the time all of the stores are closing. You see all of the last minutes shoppers scurrying out of the shops. Everything closes ... even White Castle ... but the church lots were full.

I received a call from a former co-worker this afternoon. Victor is a dear, older man who worked at the firm years ago. I've kept in touch with him through our annual Christmas card and letter. He called to say that he received this year's card and was so glad that I've kept in touch with him. He's 81-years-old and just had some type of surgery on his legs. This man is one of those people who is just genuinely kind and brillant the same. David once told me that for a living Victor would translate patents into different languages (he spoke five plus languages, I believe). It was a short call. Victor said that our family is a very rare one to find these days. We wished each other a Merry Christmas and a happy new year. It was nice to hear his voice again.

On Thursday afternoon, I stumbled into Three First National Plaza. An instrumental ansemble was playing Christmas songs in the lobby. It was a good reprieve from the hustle and bustle all around. I've been running around hurriedly, succumbing to the pressure to "find the right gift" for everyone on my list; but, in that moment, just hearing the carols caused me to stop and listen ... to reflect. For what occurred in a stinky, cold stable more than 2,000 years ago changed my life. God, in flesh, allowing himself to be born as the baby Jesus in order to redeem all of humanity. What love He has for me ... what sacrifice was given ... His grace bestowed on me.

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed. The little, lord Jesus laid down His sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where he lay; the little, lord Jesus asleep on the hay ... Be near me lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay; close by me forever and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care and take us to heaven to live with thee there.