we wish you a monastic christmas

after meaningful times with friends and family, i tried adding a new tradition: christmas day solo at the local monastery. even though i missed the christmas mass, the weather cleared for a beautiful climb on the familiar trails where i ended up meeting a group of men who, instead of magi, could easily have been called the three wise cracks. after some friendly banter together--spirituality that doesn't take itself too seriously, let God's laughter ring in the hills--i honed in on the guest-house coffee (also spiritual as i'm sure St. Arbucks would agree): rich and welcoming as the site itself. after a couple of hours to catch up with myself via journal, i headed to the newly constructed chapel. everything was dark except for christmas lights around the creche; silent except for the shuffling of one monk. one by one, the lights came up and candles were lit; the 20-foot tree illuminated while a new crescent moon rose outside the south windows. lauds. the holy packaged in human terms. and the stars? brightly shining. to look into your own retreat: www.trappistabbey.org. i've been visiting for years, though this was my first christmas, and consider the brothers very gifted in hospitality. great bookstore too.