November 13th, 2018

"Ahhh man they need to keep Christ in Christmas." Some people will say with such anger sometimes. Themselves, by their anger, pushing Christ out of the season. 

Here is a glory of the Catholic Church. We are a "Both, And" religion. Some examples, Jesus is Both human And Divine, God is Both merciful And justice, and finally, the Holy Spirit is Both the Giver and the Gift. Therefore, I want to add that we can have Both the Holiday season and the Christmas season. I used to be a ba humbugie person concerning the Christ in Christmas part until I was talking with some of my students and asking them about it. One student said that he believed the Holiday season started at Halloween. I was floored, because I was thinking that commercialization has totally gotten to these students. I schooled my students on Advent season and Christmas season. But, then I went home and prayed about it as I have for a few years after before I come to a conclusion. It's a case of "Both, And!!!" Let me explain some of my thought process. Please, and I really beg of you, forgive my possible scatter brainedness.  

What is a Holiday? Really, it's a Holy Day. Therefore, Halloween is a Holiday because it is in fact All Hallows Eve. So, the start of a Holiday season because what follows is a number of Church Holy Days. All Souls, All Saints, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, and that's just to name a few off the top of my head. Comment below if you can think of some more. 

The Christmas season is a Church defined season, but that doesn't mean that the "Holiday season" is not a trueness that is happening during these months. God wants us to use this season in a special way and the Church points to that by having these Holy Days present. So next time you hear someone say, Happy Holidays." Say it right back at them. Or if it is a particular Holy day say, "Happy Souls Day" etc. Happy Advent, Merry Christmas for those twelve days. 

Don't be like past Dave Heinert, such a scrooge. Be Merry to your brothers and sisters as Jesus wants us to especially during this time of year when we see less of the Sun.

When the Sun is hiding behind the clouds people get gloomy; so bring the Son out from within by being cheerful!

God bless.