Not much to write about – I’ve been so totally focused on the first week of my six-week diet plan and so wiped out from work that creative posting has been hard – but I just want to say that the Mass today at St. Mary Magdalene was everything anyone wanting to feel and capture the true essence of the Christmas could have wanted to experience. The sanctuary area asplendor with Christmas trees full of white lights and lots of poinsettia, musical selections featuring many carols all well-performed and with a feeling of reverence and celebration that was perfect in both its setting and tone.

Being the first time I had been back to Mass since my brother’s death in September – I couldn’t believe it had been that long – it was hard to keep the emotions in check. Mark had been the first to convert to Roman Catholicism and I followed him in that way as I had done in so many ways when we were growing up. Throughout the Mass my thoughts were going in a million directions: the carol harmonies I heard reminded me of my days singing in the St. Anne’s Episcopal church choir with those who have been gone many years, the priest’s sermon (around the mystery and revelation of God in Jesus’ birth) was a powerful reminder of just loving and forgiving God is – something Mark might have taken comfort from had he heeded my advice to return to his faith during his last troubled months. It was tough.

But I feel good about the whole experience: for me it was Christmas in all its beauty and majesty. At least now I know I like I have experienced Christmas for 2011 in the way it was meant to be.