A season to be ‘Emmanuel’

The weekend before Christmas our church parish’s Religious Education Department put together a Nativity play to be performed by the second graders. It was after the Vigil Mass. We did not stay. 

We got to Mass 30 minutes early to participate in the Catholic Daughter’s rosary so 45 minutes after Mass may have caused the two-year-old to transform into a wild man. Also, maybe I was starving from skipping lunch and the thank you gift cards to Cane’s for the kids being altar servers narrowed the decision-making. I’m not sure. It’s all fuzzy now. 


What was not blurry was the glimpse of joy I witnessed walking out. Two of our church’s religious sisters relocated from one of the first couple of pews to midway so that families could see their children within close view.  When they both sat down they settled into their seats like they were on the 50-yard line at the Super Bowl or even as if they were in Bethlehem the very night of his birth. The sweetness of their excitement was palpable but more so their reverence was visible even in the chaos of people leaving and shepherd boys scrambling to get dressed.  

In that Mass’ homily, we heard our pastor mention we need to try our best to actually be “Emmanuel” to others. We should try to be, try to show “God is with us” to the people we encounter during the Christmas season. These two ladies showed me, Emmanuel, in an instant, and had no idea. 

As I was reflecting on the moment I realized I was supposed to share this treasure so others could know. Then, in more of the same reflection, I understood that I need to point out every time I see someone living out “God is with us,” especially to the kids. 
 One of my dearest friends always asks upon seeing me if I have any “glory stories” to share.  I didn’t always think I had any as I thought of only the most monumental as being worthy of “glory” or of mentioning but it is in all things.  We manifest nothing. 

I am now more aware of the little and the most profound of stories that are credited only to the Lord. This same lady gives my children an old sacramental piece from a collection she received from her mother on their birthdays each year. This is little but so apparently “Emmanuel.” To shout out more, there is a wonderful lady at our church  who, as my oldest daughter and I say, “funds our mission.” 

She so lovingly shares her hard-earned fun money with us so we can buy more rosary supplies. She faithfully wants us to know she celebrates and supports our ministry.  
Another angel woman will always cook the most delicious grits for fellowship breakfasts after Friday morning Mass. Those grits get my oldest son out of bed on Fridays during the summer. These are our glory stories. 

Exhibiting “Emmanuel” also happens when my pastor stops me before I leave the confessional every time and says, “Hang in there, babe.” He knows I am fully taken care of and that I have no big needs. It’s a simple recognition that raising rascals for Jesus ain’t for the weak. His quick but intentional “Emmanuel” gives me endurance and encouragement.  

“God is with us” was also in the text I received from an ACTS sister when she said, “I prayed for you today. I hope you felt it,” and by his grace I recalled having the best day of the week on that day.  

More glory should be spotlighted when one of our friends made C and E-shaped cookies for my and another friend’s birthday. She and her kids could have just made them round but the extra love warmed our hearts. 

Those are all seemingly insignificant but when pondered and shared illuminate “Emmanuel’’ in every way. Important to note is there are tons of glory stories, and “Emmanuels” that are huge and we need to acknowledge them every single day. Like our friends who said “yes” to a baby that was given less than a 5% chance of surviving birth, and she is now 36 months old. She is a tiny saint on earth thriving with the challenge that is Trisomy-18. 

She laughs at my jokes and gazes into my eyes. She is a perpetual reminder that “ God is with us.” More personally, I am eight years sober and my feebleness can stake no claim to it. Thank you, Lord. You truly dwell among us. 

Father’s homily resonated with me to indeed be “Emmanuel” during the Christmas season for others. Still, also it was a sweet love tap from the Holy Spirit that we also need to receive and appreciate when others are “Emmanuel” to us. You can count on my family’s prayer asking that you all are able to notice the big and the small touches Jesus makes on our lives every day. 

Eldridge is a Catholic mom living in the Diocese of Baton Rouge facing the same challenges all families face.