By this time each year, Christians are making their final preparations for celebrating the birthday of Jesus. The special foods, expressions of our multicultural society, the family and community traditions, the decorating of lights and trees, and of course, the children sharing their gift of wonder…these are all part of the blessing of our annual celebration of the greatest Gift of God to humankind.
We exchange presents in honor of God’s gift to us. We expand our hearts to give to those in need recognizing that out of OUR great need, Jesus entered our world. As St. Francis de Sales wrote, “He melted his greatness to bring it to our littleness” (Treatise of the Love of God, Book 10, Chapter 17). We ponder the mystery of it all.
How we reflect on the ways of God will vary. What stirs my mind and heart, leading me from Advent into Christmas is song! One of the most familiar Advent hymns, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” lingers in my heart. Whether in its traditional or in contemporary versions, in English or Latin or Spanish, its haunting music says, “Get ready!”
For a moment, as you read this reflection, let your lips form the letter “O.” That letter carries a power, an energy. It implies “fullness” or “completeness”, or “wholeness.” The “O” also conveys a sense of surprise … “Oh my!” Like the Advent wreath, the “O” symbolizes eternity, without beginning or end. This fullness, surprise, eternal now, speaks to the movement from Advent to Christmas.
Now say “O.” Then sing or slowly recite, “O Come O Come Emmanuel.” Let its melodic yearning meet your own. Each of the verses of this ancient hymn is a Hebrew scriptural reference of the birth of Jesus. O Wisdom, O Radiant Dawn, O Key of David… These are a few of the biblical texts pointing the way to Jesus. Which of them stand out for you?
I never come to “O Wisdom” without recalling, with profound gratitude, that it was on this day ten years ago that I received my last chemotherapy for my breast cancer which has never returned. I’m still unpacking the wisdom of God through that experience.
On Christmas Eve this Advent hymn yields to other “O’s” in the songs of Christmas.
“O Holy Night” sets the tone for the Christmas celebration.
“Jesus came in the midst of night to bring us the special grace which would otherwise be impossible for us: the joy and happiness of glory.” (St. Francis de Sales, Sermon Dec. 24, 1613)
“O Little Town of Bethlehem” ignites our imagination;
“O Come All Ye Faithful” draws us into community.
May the music of the Advent and Christmas “O’s,” the yearning, the completeness, and the nearness of God in Jesus be renewed in us this Christmas.
“Christ’s goodness was such that He made Himself our brother.” (St. Francis de Sales, Christmas Sermon)
This assurance is cause for a season of singing the “O’s” with gratitude and rededicating our lives to follow the Prince of Peace whom we celebrate. GLORIA In Excelsis DeO!
Sister Karen Mohan, VHM
Visitation Monastery
Minneapolis, MN
