First published by Global Sisters Report, October 13, 2018
Jesus Christ, eternal God and Son of the eternal Father, desiring to consecrate the world by his most loving presence, was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and when nine months had passed since his conception, was born of the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem of Judah, and was made man. —Announcement of the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord from the Roman Martyrology
Remind me, divine lights
Glittering from every corner Confirming Judea's rumor Sparkling to honor the nativity Announcing the solemnity O remind me Remind me that the new baby born Is the light and salt of the world So shall I be Remind me Remind them Remind the universe
Joyful faces Remind me, Remind me when I see children smiling and playing That the divine child did not receive that much welcome When he knocked on our doors So that Today when he knocks again I harden not my heart but offer him room
O Christmas tree Beautiful tree Remind me again When I see you all colored Ushering a season, Please remind me the reason of this season: salvation. Remind me Remind them Remind the universe.
Remind me that the divine baby Came to cleanse my heart and paint it with love and humility. Remind me also that crib or manger, my body is his greatest temple So that I honor and keep it holy and pure. Remind me Remind him Remind the universe
O holy bells ringing Remind me when you ring and leave my ears in awe When you ding and make me feel the magic of the day When you dong and call the whole city to celebrate Remind me that he will come back to judge the living and the dead So that, that morning when you ring again shall I be ready to answer the call. Remind me Remind them Remind the universe
Sweet gingerbread and pudding O remind me Remind me when I see you and rejoice, of the mission of the Christ we honor Did he not multiply bread and fish to serve others? Or did he not give away his own body and blood for the world? Remind me to share the warmth he brings with the needy Remind me Remind them Remind the universe
O Christmas carols, Remind me when they sing and I feel delighted That unto us a child was born and since then the cross is worn But signs or songs, Faith is the best. Remind me Remind them Remind the universe That God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. _____
What time is it? I confess that in the midst of the 21st century, where watches sit on our wrists and walls, where time is displayed on our handy electronic gadgets, in our vehicles and on clock towers, this question is passé.
What time is it? Who still asks such a question after human wisdom discovered quartz crystals, the hourglass and the pendulum to solve that dispute? Who still reflects on it? Even in the most archaic traditions and most primitive civilizations, humans have always permeated the notion of time, referring themselves to the weather pattern, seasons and harvest signs, or sociopolitical features.
Indeed, in East Africa, a large population born before the era of modern schools and before our countries embraced the digital world would determine their age in accordance with the crop that was grown at that time, the weather, and the king who was on throne.
For instance, if a person was born during a mild rainy season when his family was harvesting maize, it would mean the person was most likely born in September, and the year would be determined in line with the royal dynasty in reign.
Humankind has conquered the concept of horology and chronology not only to the point of determining time with accuracy, but also to the edge of eradicating any questions about it. Excuse me for asking again, but: What time is it?
Your answer may be close to: It is that time of the year when the holly is hung in the aisle, when lights shine bright, when the pine tree is clothed with colored balls and bells. It is that time of the year when carols are sung, when presents are exchanged, churches see crowds, and when mangers are hallowed. It is Christmas time.
The signs of the season confirm that it is Christmas, but the Scriptures overlook them to remind us of the true signs and their meaning and to answer the initial question with: It's Christ time, and the best way to live in this time is to impersonate his attributes in our lives. Wouldn't it be that time of the year when we are reminded that God's promises are confirmed, the greatest sign of love descended on Earth, the humble magnified the Lord, those who believed were blessed, those who were silent spoke, and those who were neglected received good news?
It is Christmas time Christ time, a time to reinterpret the signs beyond malls and street-light accuracy, a time to start to act a lot like Christ rather than make shop shelves look a lot like Christmas.
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