So this is Christmas. Again, I spend it far away from home. This year it is a wonderfully warm and sunny Puglia, the ‘heel’ of the Italian peninsula. I’ve recently transferred from Oria to Polignano a Mare. It is located at the seaside with the spectacular views over the cliff. Similarly to my last year experience, I am grateful for being away from the normal Christmas routine. Just like during the travel around the world, also this year I participated each Sunday mass of the Advent in a different parish. Not only it was an illuminating experience but also showed me again the richness of the catholic church. Being out of the heavily commercialized Christmas atmosphere, I have time to think about the most important thing: the birth of baby Jesus. Instead of the ordinary Christmas wishes, I am sharing this powerful quote from Luke’s gospel. To all, who feel down and need to regain their hope. “The people walking in darkness     have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness     a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation     and increased their joy; they rejoice before you     as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice     when dividing the plunder. For to us a child is born,     to us a son is given,     and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called     Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,     Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace     there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne     and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it     with justice and righteousness     from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty     will accomplish this.“ /Isaiah, 9, 1-4, 6-7/ Oh, and yes, just like every year I’m sharing below here my favourite Christmas Story (thanks to St. Paul’s parish in Auckland, New Zealand).  

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New Zealand is not the most popular place to spend Christmas. Most of the people chose to go to Europe and participate in Christmas Markets. They sometimes attend Christmas carols’ concerts. There are many things in Europe that you cannot find in New Zealand, at least not at this time of the year. There is no snow because it is the middle of the summer. There are no Christmas trees all over the place because most of people go to the beach and have their barbecue on Christmas day. There are no Christmas carols played months in advance. And you simply don’t feel like Christmas. Last week I was complaining about all of this to my best friend. It’s so hard to feel Christmas here, I was saying. There is no darkness that help you focus, there is no smell of ginger bread in the kitchen, there is no snow, well there is nothing here like European Christmas. And he told me a very important thing: this is just perfect opportunity for you to focus on what is the most important part of Christmas. Birth of God. And suddenly I realised how true it is! Yes, all of these nice traditions may help you to feel the coming Christmas but what I think often happens is that it distracts you. You can easily use shopping, cooking and cleaning as an excuse for not doing more important things. And you will still have a feeling that you prepare yourself for Christmas time. So this year I’m spending Christmas totally different and I think I’m really enjoying it very much. There will be a Midnight Mass with a local community, Christmas carols sing by children and the real Christmas will happen. Merry Christmas everyone. I wish you the most beautiful time of the year, full of joy, peace and hope. Let yourself lost in thoughts about one important day two thousands years ago and a little baby that has changed everything.  

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