Reflections by Joanne Kollasch and Lynne Smith, co-directors of formation
The Christmas Eve liturgy is a highlight of the season for our community. Soft candle light flickers around the assembly room. We sit in muted silence before the service begins. This is a time for quiet meditation, time to take in the Christmas tree and crèche scene surrounded by poinsettias. Our Advent liturgies dwell on the theme of anticipation of Christ’s coming rather than rushing to Christmas. Christmas Eve is the culmination of our anticipation, ushered in by the cherished music of Christmas. This is the beginning of the celebration of Christ among us: Emmanuel, God with us.
From this beginning our celebration continues throughout the season of Christmas, the twelve days following Christmas Day. The hymns and readings of the Liturgy of the Hours and Holy Eucharist help us continue to reflect on God’s incarnation in our lives and the life of the world. We are grateful for the reflective time and space that the liturgies of the monastery give us to dwell on God’s great love for humankind.
(photo by Mary Kaye Radtke)