Fr. Kevin Dillon is the Pastor of St. Boniface Martyr Parish, Sea Cliff, Long Island, NY.
Many of us are familiar with the Broadway tune We Need A Little Christmas from the production of the play and television movie Mame. There is a scene in which “Auntie Mame” breaks out into the upbeat and happy song to remind her nephew Patrick and two household servants of how the great feast of Christmas can change everything and everyone into someone and something better. Virtually all people will agree that our lives and our world can be better. With just over a week remaining until the big day, Christmas, itself, preparations are in high gear. People are shopping for that special gift for that special someone, while others are either attending parties or planning their own special Christmas celebrations, and still others are generously tipping their hairstylists, housekeepers, and personal trainers etc. to thank and show appreciation to them for what they DO all year long. People are usually in very festive, optimistic and cheerful moods despite the hustle and bustle of this joyous season
Indeed, at the very least we NEED A LITTLE CHRISTMAS; in fact, WE NEED A LOT OF CHRISTMAS, not just on December 25 or the days immediately preceding or following this Holy Day and Holiday, but ALL YEAR LONG! Kindness, compassion, gentleness, generosity, cheerfulness should not be traits and dispositions that people, especially Christians exhibit and live for a season.
All people of goodwill should attempt to live these attributes the whole year through and Christians above all, should lead the way and be shining lights and examples for everyone!
While it is important to KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS, it is equally, and quite possibly more important to BE CHRIST AT CHRISTMAS and ALL YEAR LONG. At the Last Supper, Jesus reminds His Apostles and us “to love one another.” During the late 1960’s and into the 1970’s a popular folk song was sung at Sunday masses, They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love.” With life so busy and complex these days we often feel pressured to worry about ourselves, and while sometimes we must do that, there are plenty of times where we can assist others with our time, talents and treasure. The good people of St. Boniface, Martyr in the many ministries and societies of this magnificent parish strive to do that all year long. So, when the last sip of eggnog is finished, the presents have all been unwrapped, the Christmas music has stopped and the decorations put away for another year keep striving to BE CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS ALL YEAR LONG!
Be assured of a special remembrance in ALL my masses, at Christmas time and the whole year long and a BLESSED AND HOLY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!
– Fr. Kevin
Fr. Kevin Dillon’s letter appears here weekly online and in print in our Parish Bulletin.
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