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Christmas Eve with family

December 24, 2023

2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16  |  Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26  |  Romans 16:25-27  |  Luke 1:26-38

We are nearing the end of the Advent season. And today’s scripture reminds me just how far humanity had fallen to prompt God to send his only son to save us from our sins. Kind of an uncomfortable mix of misery and joy all wrapped up in one. Our messy human story.

I do not dwell on the messy part of my life, although I do NOT have much to be unhappy about. I confront my foibles, try to make amends, and move on. The past is the past. The present, passes ever so quickly. The future‘s as close as tomorrow.

Of all the readings today, I am drawn to Mary’s conversation with Gabriel. Mary, the most Christian of all humans, surrenders to the Lord:

“Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word” (Luke 1:38)

I strive mightily each day to live into the example set by Mary many centuries ago.

Christmas Eve with my big Italian family

So, you ask, what are the images above (short movie animation)?

Many decades ago, Vincent and Etta Pantalone, my maternal grandparents, were blessed with the birth of four daughters: my mother, Norma, was the youngest. Norma and Donald Walsh gave birth to three sons, Robert, John, and James. And Norma’s three sisters gave birth to 10 children.

Every Christmas Eve, after each family finished their dinner, we would all gather at Vincent and Etta’s home, the second floor of a double-decker in Providence, to exchange presents and bask in the glow of our wonderful extended family. As the years passed, Christmas Eve rotated among the homes of each of the four Pantalone sisters. Rooms were filled with music, joy, and love like nothing I experienced anywhere else. This was “my normal” for Christmas. A love, peace, and joy celebrated each year with the coming of the baby Jesus.

“For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.” (Matthew  18:20)

I know this was not part of the readings for this day, but it so embodies the spirit I felt growing up.

Most of my elders have passed. I am still very close to my brothers and cousins and many of the next generation – 27 children, including a niece, two nephews, and two of the most amazing children of my own. We gather as often as possible, each year, to continue family traditions.

Room for new families

In 1996, I first set foot in the sanctuary of St. Luke’s at the corner of Peirce and Church Streets in East Greenwich for the baptism of my niece, Juliana. Little did I know I would soon adopt and be adopted by an extended family that has been a central part of my life ever since.

So, with this, the final day of Advent, I invite you to reflect on your “humanness” and celebrate a joy-filled Christmas with family and friends.

Merry Christmas, Papa and Mama.

Merry Christmas, my St. Luke’s family.

Rob Walsh