December 11, 2009
The Second Half
Everything for Christmas
BY DEACON JIM AND ANN CAVERA
What do we really want for Christmas? We already have all of the things we need or want. At some point we realized we can only wear one set of clothes at a time, look at one channel on television at a time, and we can live in only one house at a time. At that point we realized we needed less in life; not more. Now, when we anticipate Christmas, the one thing we look forward to the most doesn’t come with a price tag. Nothing means more to us this time of year than the company of family. With our adult offspring scattered all over the country, it is very difficult for all of us to get together for the holidays. This year we will come close to having no empty chairs at the table.
One of our grown children arrived by plane yesterday and her husband will join us today. More will drive in from Muncie Thursday afternoon. The final group will drive over in time for supper near the end of the week. Work related obligations shadowed by the threat of layoffs will keep one away for the time being. In spite of the joy we feel in looking forward to being with our family at Christmas, his empty chair will remind us that our circle isn’t quite complete. We will connect with him by phone, and everyone (even the children) will take a turn wishing him a Merry Christmas, but that still won’t make up for his absence.
Just thinking about the twelve family members that will be present has made the anticipation of the Advent season greater for us this year than most holidays. For the past few weeks thinking about a house full of family has given life to everything we do. Rooms have been cleaned and favorite dishes have been cooked ahead. We have done everything possible to be ready, and yet we are not. There is never enough time to do all that we want to do for the people we love. What about all of those handmade presents we wanted to have ready? The house isn’t perfectly clean, but we don’t think they will mind. The house they grew up in was never perfectly clean either.
Sometimes we wonder if we approach the arrival of Christ with the same sense of great anticipation we have when family comes home. Have we taken the time to spread the good news of his coming in the same way we have told our friends about the arrival of our family? Do we take as much time making our hearts ready for the arrival of Christ as we do making our home ready for our children and grandchildren? Does love make us eager to be in the company of Christ?
Christ loves family celebrations, but his love never goes where it isn’t invited. Without the presence of Christ, the circle won’t be complete. There is still time to extend an invitation to Christ to join our family celebration. Without his presence, one chair will always remain empty.
Deacon Jim and Ann Cavera are former residents of Evansville; their award-winning column is a regular feature of the Message. Contact them at www.catholicseniorspirit.com.