My heart is in Newtown and probably will be for quite a while. Searching for Christmas joy in the midst of unutterable pain and grief. The sudden, shocking death in my immediate family just a few weeks ago began this strange mix of sorrow and hopeful expectation, and the horror in Newtown just sealed the deal. This is no ordinary, light-hearted Christmas.
This homily by Deacon Greg Kandra is what I need to read over and over. Jesus is still Emmanuel. He is nearer to us than we know. And His Blessed Mother knows our anguish, our tears, and our wounds better than anyone else. I run to her for comfort and beg her to carry us all in her loving arms to the cradle this year.
