As of December 17, the Church has pulled out all the stops on her Advent preparations.

With the passing of December 17, the Church in her Liturgy helps us to prepare our hearts for the sublime mystery of the Incarnation by beginning the "O Antiphons".
The Incarnation is one of the two pillars of our Christian Faith, the other being the Redemption.
Our Faith tells us that the Eternal Word, the Logos, took human flesh with a mind to suffer for our sake. This is a feast that all Catholics have the privilege of celebrating in a few short days.

Christmas Day is the 2nd greatest feast day in the Liturgical year, the consolation and joy of all Catholics.

When the glory and sublimity of Christmas is contemplated, how can we engage in anything distasteful, at least during this week? Would it not tend to sully the dignity of this great feast, which should be on everyone's mind -- friend and foe alike?

Even for certain duties that are lawful -- discussing controversy, waging war -- it is seemly to give pause for a few days' time so that even one's enemies can contemplate the mystery of the incarnate God, the World made flesh, our Emmanuel.

Have a blessed Christmas next week,

Matthew