Roland Allen: Weblog

Andrew W. posted reflections on Christmas in his blog: Some Kind of Wonderful: Rockin’ Through Life in Orange County.

As a point of reference, Andrew and I have begun a conversation on Ignatius Loyola and the Spiritual Exercises. So, this post is in line with our nascent dialog. Over the years I’ve almost come to dread Christmas because it has seemed a chore of niceness – like standing in a wedding reception line and having to maintain a smile over a long period of time. I’m not Scrooge, but let me explain by quoting from Andrew’s post: “I hope that I will be someday be able to foster the values of family and unity over the values of presents.”

My family makes a big deal of coming together for Christmas. Actually, we come together for a number of big events. As an example, plans are already in the works for the four high school graduations in the family coming up this spring (two in Alabama, one in Texas, and one in California), and one college baccalaureate ceremony (Texas), and the big event in June when one cousin completes his doctorate at UCLA. As a family, we find value in celebrations.

Christmas is the biggest yearly event in my family and I enjoy it immensely, particularly because we have young kids in the family who really enjoy the holiday. But, I find in difficult to transition to Christmas because I feel that it’s such a rush to get to “the holiday.” That may be a result of my profession because of the rush to see my students complete their college applications.

That being said, I have enjoyed the time after Christmas this year. I think that is because I have had so much time with my family and friends. While I do see “Christmas” as a religious event, I honor the “Season” that most people celebrate – and I do so without prejudice. I have no problem respecting that the broader society attempts to honor family and others outside of themselves during Christmas.

The Victorian Jesuit poet, Gerard Manley Hopkins, wrote,

THE BEST ideal is the true
And other truth is none.

That inspires me to think about why it’s important that Christmas have a “true meaning.”

This is pretty cool. The St. Olaf Christmas Festival will be simulcast in theaters around the country.

St. Olaf College | Christmas Festival

So, one doesn’t have to go to Northfield, Minnesota to hear this concert.

(A former student of mine is in the choir. )