THE FIRST HUES OF CHRISTMAS ARRIVE IN THE OLOL RECTORY...........

After writing my first blog column for today this morning, in just a short time, the first Christmas card of 2011, from Bishops Soto, Weigand, and Quinn, arrived, as did a deep red, poinsettia from Parish Secretary Frances Hood, the initial signs of  Christmas, along with yesterday's mandarins and lemons, to come into the rectory.  Being a seasonal purist, that does not like overly frontloading the holidays, then dismissing them quickly, once they arrive - Advent and Christmas are by their placement on the calendar, somewhat interwined.  That is a positive and productive practice as we link their purpose and meaning in our lives as Disciples of Jesus, Whose Coming as God Made Man, as our Redeemer, Who Comes to us daily in Spirit and Truth; and Who will Come again and as King and Judge; the messianic Savior of the World - unite us with Him now and forever.  As you send and receive Christmas cards, exchange and get gifts, and share in keeping the spiritual, social, family, friends, and concern for the less fortunate, focuses that define the holy and religious nature of these Sacred Seasons, may the home of your hearts open wide to the primary focus of the Reason For The Holiday Season We Celebrate As Catholic-Christians, - JESUS !!!!!!!!!!!...........Fr.  Troy