December 24, 2017 - "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year"

One of the songs of the Christmas season that I like is “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” which Andy Williams made popular a number of years ago now.  One of the reasons that I think that it is the most wonderful time of the year is seeing the selfless generosity of so many people.  I think of Bobbi McLaughlin and all her helpers who organize the Spirit Tree and the enormous number of Christmas gifts that our parish gave to the people of Assumption Parish in Southeast Washington. In a similar vein, I think of Susan Anderson, Melisa Biedron, and our catechists who organize the Christmas stocking gift program in collaboration with Catholic Charities.  I also think of Pat O’Connor and all her helpers who organize the Alternative Christmas whereby local, national, and international charities receive some assistance from parishioners during this Advent and Christmas season.  Or I think of Brian Pettit, Wayne Burnside, and all their helpers who have sold Christmas trees on many cold nights this December. I cannot forget Carolyn Brauer and those who helped her make Christmas wreaths which were available for sale along with the Christmas trees.   I am grateful to them and all their helpers—too many to name—for promoting initiatives that help parishioners celebrate Advent and prepare for the birth of Christ in a joyful way.  I am also gratified to see once again how generous our parishioners are to people in need.  That is why I think that this is “the most wonderful time of the year.”
 
I have been asked three questions by various parishioners that I want to answer in the remaining space that I have in this column for our bulletin that we will distribute on Christmas Eve.  The questions concern what are the “O” Antiphons, what is Las Posadas, and what is Simbang Gabi?
 
First, let’s discuss the “O” Antiphons.  From December 17-24, a set of antiphons—all beginning with the word “O” are sung at Evening Prayer before the Gospel canticle known as the Magnificat.  We have been singing the “O” Antiphons since at least the eighth century.  They are the basis of the popular Advent song “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”  They use ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim that Christ is the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well.  These antiphons also form the text for the Gospel acclamations in the Lectionary for Mass on these days.
 
Las Posadas is an event that essentially covers the same period as the “O” Antiphons.  For eight days before Christmas, people wander in procession from home to home looking for a place that will take them in.  On each night, a home has been chosen in advance to welcome the procession, and there is much singing and feasting.  An image of the Christ child is left in the home until the next night, when the procession begins. Las Posadas commemorates the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem and recalls that there was no room for Mary and Joseph in the inn. In the United States, this Mexican tradition has extended to other Latin American communities, perhaps due to identification with the migration experience of the Holy Family.
 
Simbang Gabi (Filipino for “Night Mass”) is a traditional nine day novena Mass in anticipation of the birth of the Lord celebrated by Filipinos all over the world.  Most churches where this is celebrated are decorated with colorful lights and lanterns to welcome the church goers. The Nativity Scene is displayed in preparation of the birth of Jesus Christ.  It shows the baby Jesus in a manger with Mary and Joseph.  There are shepherds and farm animals.  The complete scenario includes the three wise men carrying their gifts to the Christ child and the star of Bethlehem that guided them on their journey.  The tradition of Simbang Gabi was introduced in the Philippines by the Spanish friars to allow farmers to attend Mass before going to the fields early in the morning, but it is now often celebrated in the evening.  This year Simbang Gabi has been celebrated in nine parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Washington. 
Merry Christmas!
Fr. John