In this episode, we talk about everything Christmas. The Dutch ‘cradling baby Jesus’ tradition; Christmas movies, music and things to do during the Holidays.
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Here’s a TV show you might want to have a look at. It’s called Undercover Boss. I’m not big on reality shows, but this one is exceptional. It’s what a CEO/President of well-know corporations encounter when they assume entry level positions in their own companies. It turns out to be a real eye-opening even a life-changing experience for both the boss and the people he encounters.
The thing that strikes me about the show is that it underscores that we seldom can appreciate how people are hurting and that they persevere and maintain great attitudes despite the challenges they are facing in their lives.
Here in particular is one that as Catholics we can appreciate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgpJ7vpi11s
The series is available as full shows on YouTube. Just do a search for “Undercover Boss”.
Dear Fr. Roderick:
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! Just thought I’d contribute a favorite Christmas song of mine, that you mentioned about from last week’s show. It’s called “In The Deep Mid-Winter” (favorite version sung by James Taylor). The title sounds more of a “wintery” type of song, but the lyrics are much more “spiritual/theological”, especially the final verse:
What then can I give Him, empty as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb.
If I were a wise man, I would know my part.
What then shall I give to Him, I must give my heart.
(Look it up on You-tube to play for the show, if you have time)
As far as favorite Christmas movies, I’ve narrowed it down to two favorites in our house: “Miracle on 34th Street” and “It’s a Wonderful Life”. One “Dutch” question for you from “Miracle”, can you translate the conversation that St. Nick and the Dutch girl had, as well as the song they sung (aka, “Sinter Klaus capuntcha. . . .”)?
In “Wonderful Life”, I think that brings back a theme you talked about last week with “Cloud Atlas”, the theme of how we are all “connected”. Example: the fact that George had never been born to save his brother Harry from the thin ice, the men on the army transport also died, because Harry wasn’t there to save them. That theme was brought across much better in Wonderful Life, don’t you think?
Hope you had a restful visit with your family on Christmas, and are enjoying the whole Christmas season.
All the best for SQPN in 2013!
Peace,
Dan Hyatt, Norwood, MA