The month of December is awash in traditions, all revolving around our preparation for and celebration of the Nativity of Our Lord. When and how do you decorate the house and the church? What foods must be part of your season and on your Christmas Day table? What family activities define the Christmas season for you?

We love our Christmas traditions, even if we are not sure sometimes how some of them got started.

There are three things that are part of our season that may have had their beginnings in the very first Christmas. On the Wednesday evenings in Advent this year, we will consider these traditions as we see Mary participate in them as recorded by St. Luke in his Gospel:

Letters
The focus of this first night (December 5) will be the custom of sending and receiving Christmas letters and announcements: a way of keeping in touch with those we know and love.

Mary, too, received an announcement as she prepared for the very first Christmas. This night, we will hear the glad tidings from the Angel about the reason for this season. In the language of the Church, it is call the Annunciation.

Visiting
The focus of this night (December 12) will be the custom of visiting during the holiday season, whether to family, friends, neighbors, or coworkers. Visiting is another way of remaining close to those we know and love, no matter how many miles may separate us.

Mary, too, visited family as she prepared for the very first Christmas. This night, we will hear of Mary’s visit to her relative, Elizabeth, and what we learn from it about the reason for this season. In the language of the Church, it is called the Visitation.

Singing
The focus of this night (December 19) will be singing and the way Christmas music enhances our celebration of the season.

Mary, too, sang out of her joy over the wonder of the very first Christmas. This night, we will ponder Mary’s Song and what it tells us about the reason for this season. In the language of the Church, it is called the Magnificat.

Pr. VanOsdol