Merry Christmas from the Capital of the World
BY KITTY L. | SHIROOKAMI - DOGS.UNITE | 12.25.2020
The National Christmas Tree in front of the White House, an American tradition. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ ἦν, καὶ ὁ κόσμος δι' αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο, καὶ ὁ κόσμος αὐτὸν οὐκ ἔγνω.
In mundo erat, et mundus per ipsum factus est, et mundus eum non cognovit.
He, through whom the world was made, was in the world, and the world treated him as a stranger.
The shrine lit up just before the midnight mass. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
We celebrated the sacred day at one of the ten largest churches in the entire world, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, only a few miles from the White House. The midnight mass here offered a time of contemplative reflection on the implications of Christ's birth on humanity and the meaning of Christmas.
Although there are no Biblical sources that point to December 25th as the actual birth date of Christ, there are some clues from history. The first written record of the day being attributed to Christ's birth comes from Hippolytus (204), who wrote that the first advent in the flesh occurred eight days before the Kalendans of January during Augustus's 42nd year, a record that predates Sol Invictus being celebrated on the same day, let alone it being recognized as a Roman cult. Supporting evidence for and against the date is complex and varied - however, the message remains the same.
Fog-covered basilica during a warm evening in DC. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Entering the basilica transports you into the realm of the divine. For this year, due to the pandemic, special reservations had to be made in advance, although anyone wishing to celebrate the Christ-mass was allowed entry provided safety could be ensured - what an interesting experience to celebrate with masks. After following a series of winding steps and hallways, at a certain point, the modern and material world completely disappears behind you and a different environment presents itself. Though I have visited almost every historic church in the metro area, this one is quite unique and transports you into a long ago era of Christendom.
The shrine gets its namesake from the Bishop of Baltimore, who in 1792 consecrated the newly created United States to the Immaculate Conception. Interestingly, this shrine has no parish of its own and is free from the authority of the Archdiocese. Not only does it commemorate itself to the immaculate conception of Christ, but it also celebrates the diversity of the faithful that enter its halls, an impressive symbol of the faith in America.
The Sanctification Dome, the fourth of five domes, is made from 1.25 million pieces of glass that represents the Pentecost and people from the "four corners" of the world. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
A few thoughts from this year's homily:
In Bethlehem, a name that means House of Bread, God lies in a manger, as if to remind us that, in order to live, we need him, like the bread we eat. We need to be filled with his free, unfailing and concrete love. How often instead, in our hunger for entertainment, success and worldly pleasures, do we nourish life with food that does not satisfy and leaves us empty within! The Lord, through the prophet Isaiah, complained that, while the ox and the donkey know their master’s crib, we, his people, do not know him, the source of our life (Is 1:2-3). It is true: in our endless desire for possessions, we run after any number of mangers filled with ephemeral things, and forget the manger of Bethlehem. That manger, poor in everything yet rich in love, teaches that true nourishment in life comes from letting ourselves be loved by God and loving others in turn.
from the Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord, 2020 (Pope Francis)
Midnight mass. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
In addition to mass offerings, there is an extensive museum and collection of educational, sacred art, which offer a look into history and the cultural significance of faith. There are rare Mohawk relics of Tekakwitha, as well as German relics and a Vietnamese crypt. In the context of the modern era, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia's funeral was celebrated here, led by his son Father Paul Scalia, a Virginia native. This is an important destination for anyone visiting DC, as reflected by such visitors as various popes and the famous Mother Theresa.
Nearby the National Shrine, you can still enjoy the National Christmas Tree near the White House in President's Park. This living tree has been ceremoniously lit since 1923, and will be up until the new year. What started as a way to make electricity "cool" to the public continues as a tradition the community can always look forward to enjoying. This year, the tree was lit by President Trump.
Image of the White House from the National Christmas tree. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
The National Christmas Tree surrounded by state trees, with the Monument in the backdrop. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
It's surrounded by 50 trees from each state, as well as other trees from different territories, all of which you can view by walking the Pathway of Peace. Unlike the National Christmas tree, these trees are only temporarily planted into the ground. According to Glen, elementary school children typically decorate the trees from their state.
The Virginia State Tree decorated with the state's red "birbs". | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
This tree is definitely not in Kansas anymore. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
They should have just put a bunch of pizzas on this tree. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
With everyone else gone away, Stella, Chance, and I are hosting a nice banquet tonight for all of our local friends. Merry Christmas, everyone!
Stella enjoying her new gift in a way the manufacturer didn't intend. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI