The old songs celebrating the Holy feast of Christmas are still the best and most evocative. As a Catholic I am out of sync with the world at this time of year. The four weeks leading up to Christmas are for many Christians a time to recall the centuries during which ancient Israel longed for the promised Messiah and we prepare ourselves to welcome Him, God made flesh for our salvation. Meanwhile everywhere we go there is Christmas music devoid of the Savior, which we all understand is geared to sharpen the buying impulse. The only exception to this is a Chinese market I frequent which plays the traditional carols. No Christless Christmas for these people, and I am glad of it.
Then on the day after Christmas the world goes back to business as usual. For those who follow the ancient Christian liturgical cycle, Christmas day is the grand opening of the Christmas season which lasts until February 2nd. When I was a kid the tree and creche always went up on December 17, the day when the O Antiphons begin; the Come Emanuel carol sets those antiphons to music, I just love them. On the day after Christmas the figures of the three Magi began their trek around the living room, advancing day by day, until they arrived at the manger scene on January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany. These are the 12 Days of Christmas celebrated by the carol of that name. The Christmas season ends with the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd, and I put the Christmas albums away until next year.
Since September 11, 2001 I was increasingly involved in politics, going so far as to change party affiliation twice. I have withdrawn from that in the last year because I see the whole system as a criminal enterprise and utterly corrupt through and through. There are real solutions available to We the People, in which the parties are uninterested, but the knowledge of which they actively suppress. I have become convinced that the nation needs a better, more fundamental MAGA: Make America Godly Again. More on that soon.
Meanwhile the Christmas season has disrupted my supply chain and I will not be able to restock UMARY until the second week of January. I am not out of stock, but stocks are low. If I run out of UMARY before I receive resupply I will offer UMOVY, very similar to UMARY, at UMARY prices till the logistics catches up. As usual, you will be able to get it in the shop page:
It is my privilege to serve you. You are never far from my thoughts and the Ravishing Wife and I pray for you.
She and I wish you a blessed and joyous Christmas.
Leo
