The Gift of Christmas

We continue a short series written by Benedictine Sisters on what Christmas means to them. Enjoy!

By Sister Ruth Ksycki, OSB

The Christmas Novena and Vigil have always been special to me.

The Sisters process into the darkened chapel carrying lighted candles each evening.

We pray special prayers for loved ones.

During the Christmas Eve vigil, one of our own Sisters places the Infant (who was brought from Germany) in the manger.

This act symbolizes our receiving the Gift once again.

Christmas is the gift of God’s love. It not only has to be given, it has to be received.

Advent gives us time to prepare to receive it at Christmas, with greater and more intense desire than ever.

Finally, I want to share a Thomas Merton poem that I love:

In winter,
when the birds
put down their flutes
and wind plays sharper
than a fife
upon the icy rain,
I sit in this crib
and laugh like fire
and clap
my golden hands!

This Christmas, may you receive the gift as if for the first time!