I do not recall ever buying into the concept of Santa Claus. Perhaps this can be attributed to going to the mall for pictures with Santa and every year finding myself on the lap of a different person.
The sleigh story also didn’t make sense because there were too many clues around the house to indicate Santa’s “workshop” was on-site.
I do remember a connection to the mysterious, hopeful waiting, and even now, I believe that is a reason for the season.
Because it’s not as if we’re anxiously waiting for the other shoe to drop — no, it’s a sweet-burning anticipation, cup-overflowing excitement, awaiting the arrival of a dearly beloved Friend.
Since we do not know the day for sure, or the exact moment, being ready at any hour allegorically means here and now — this moment — is a precious gift. Something is happening in the heavenly realms, and we want to be faithful and wise to meet that moment.
Jesus likens this to having plenty of oil to keep our lamps burning continually. And as Jesus also told us that we are the lights — lamps — of the world, then what is the oil we need to always be ready and bright?
Well, we can look back to the time of Moses for clues. He led his people out of the bondage of Egypt, yet they travailed for many years through desert and wilderness before reaching the Promised Land. It was not a period of senseless wandering but providential leading; God was teaching His people, now free, how to live free and not use liberty as vice but as evidence that faith justifies.
Along the way, God instructed Moses to build a place of worship for the presence of the Lord, and the lampstands needed pure olive oil to glow at all times. Olives are pressed to produce oil, which was used as fuel for holy fire.
Similarly, Jesus was pierced and crushed in the fulfillment of His passion for all souls – and Jesus is the Light that shines through us.
What if the source of our oil is professing faith in His powerful name, bearing our crosses, following after Him, and basking in the Lord’s glorious presence?
And then the lights of our lives testify that Christ is the reason for the season.
We desire to be able to welcome Jesus at Christmas-time, not in a cold manger of our hearts, but in a heart full of love and humility, a heart so pure, so immaculate, so warm with love for one another.
Mother Teresa
