Buon Natale!

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest as they are glad when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. (Isaiah 9:2-7 ESV).

“Buon Natale!” which is Italian for “Merry Christmas.” So, I would like to dip a bit into my heritage and say Buon Natale to each of you! While there is certainly much that is the same about the traditions in America and Italy during Christmastime, one readily observable difference between them is the general lack of commercialism that threatens to swallow up and completely secularize the holiday. For instance, instead of writing letters, or emails, to Santa Claus asking for presents Italian children are encouraged write letters to tell their parents how much they love them. The letter is normally placed under their father's plate and read after Christmas Eve dinner has been finished. Italians have also adopted some of the northern European traditions as well. In northern Italy a fair number of families decorate an evergreen tree in their home; however, many families use the ceppo. This is a wooden frame several feet high designed in a pyramid shape. This frame supports several tiers of shelves, often with a manger scene on the bottom followed by small gifts of fruit, candy, and presents on the shelves above. The "Tree of Light," as it is also known, is entirely decorated with colored paper, gold pinecones, and miniature colored pennants. Small candles are fastened to the tapering sides and a star or small doll is hung at the apex. It is their center of attention for their family celebration. Neither is better than the other unless one removes the act of worship because of Jesus’ birth. Our reading today gives us a glimpse of who Jesus was to be once he was born. These are lofty positions. And, yet, all of them are positions that cannot be filled by anyone other than the Christ. This is the real reason for celebration. It is easy to lose this message in the midst of our celebrations. I hope you have not lost that great gift of grace. Hold to it tightly. It is your hope and assurance!