Three Christmas Gifts

By Father Michael Orsi, Naples, Fla. where he is chaplain and research fellow in law and religion at Ave Maria School of Law.
It was a special Christmas Eve. I received three gifts before midnight. Not the usual shirt, sweater or after-shave lotion that I had come to expect – but gifts that money can’t buy.
At 5 p.m. I celebrated Mass with Monsignor Eugene Kernan, at St. Paul. He was my first pastor as a deacon and my last as a priest and by far the best boss I ever had. Our friendship had stretched for almost 25 years. As I stood beside him at the altar we embraced at the Exchange of Peace, and I thanked God for this wonderful friend, Father Gene. He is indeed a gift and one that continues to enrich my life.
The night was still young when Mass ended. Since Muscle World was closed the next day I didn’t have to get to bed early to rise for my usual 4:30 a.m. workout. What should I do with the long evening ahead?
I decided to attend services at the two other churches in town, Our Saviour Evangelical Lutheran and St. Mary Episcopal. These church buildings were much smaller than St. Paul. They had a distinct beauty and charm of their own. Our Saviour is more modern in its architecture and ambiance. St. Mary is more like that of a quaint country church. Both were elegantly decorated for the season, offering a sense of welcome that passers-by could not resist, if only to peek inside.
I liked both pastors and had worked with them every year on our Stone Harbor, Thanksgiving Community Prayer Service.
So, with my London Fog rain coat and umbrella I headed for Our Saviour. This service was first, I think 7 p.m. During the service, Pastor Glenn Schoenberger did something that touched me deeply. He invited the children to come into the sanctuary. He then delivered a message uniquely for them. This scene was reminiscent of how Jesus loved children and invited them to come to him. This action highlighted for me the importance of children in our church communities and that they should never be taken for granted. This was my second Christmas gift.
My last stop was at St. Mary. It was around 8:30 p.m. The small church was packed. The service had an awe-inspiring solemnity. The late Father Wesley Martin’s homily focused on the Incarnation – God becoming a man. He explained how this great mystery is the beginning of our salvation. Jesus, he said, is the gift of Christmas. These words poignantly reminded me who was the cause for this night – the greatest gift!
Pastor Glenn and Father Martin were both surprised to see me in their churches. When their respective services ended, I shook their hands with the exiting crowds and wished them a Merry Christmas. They thanked me for coming.
Over 20 years have passed and I think it’s about time I thank Monsignor Kernan, Pastor Schoenberger and Father Martin for their Christmas gifts to me. Better late than never!
Thanks, guys. Merry Christmas!