Christmas 2025 in Dallas--our whole family was back in our home for our first Christmas there in 7 years. How poignant--it highlighted for me the sacrifice we have made to move to Italy, having had renters in our home until recently, and at the same time it was savory-sweet because we were finally back home on such a special day. Christmas is the feast day that simultaneously celebrates Christ's Incarnation and the choice of God to use family as his means of self-disclosure. Family life is elevated on the spiritual level because of the Incarnation and the reception by Mary and Joseph of the Christ Child. The mystery is beyond comprehension and I marvel more as the years go on--I am filled with praise and reverence.
We spent time with family as never before--Ronnie Sr. and Jane stayed with us all week; Kim, Ken and Jenna spent several days with us over Christmas, and we got to host Jenna for her first overnight on Christmas Eve/morning. We spent lots of great time with Mom and Dad. Aunt June was with us quite a bit; Uncle David joined us on the 24th; we spent great time with the Davilas. We enjoyed Midnight Mass at the University of Dallas chapel and I am still relishing in Fr. Geronimo's amazing homily. Adopting the tradition of our dear friends the Cronenwetts, we served homemade tomato soup on Christmas Eve before Mass, and then the next day, had a massive feast after the tree and presents. We partied late into the night. I have never felt so full, so joyful, perhaps in all my life. God has led me on a sure and steady path, one that I could not usually see or appreciate. Now I know that he has blessed me with a rich, gorgeous family life as well as a theological vocation to understand it more fully. How blessed is this small, fleeting life of mine.
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