Santa celebrates the Eucharist

We gathered around the lake before dawn waiting for the tell-tale sliver of light to pierce the darkness and announce to all the world that it was Easter Morning, the day of great triumph and that victory over our ancient foe Death was wrought by Christ, our victor!

We had brought bells from our home to join our shouts of Hallelujah and ring in this great day. My beloved deacon, Marios, had brought his bell, as he had done for many years. 

Marios was raised in Cyprus in the Greek Orthodox Church. His love for Christ is palpable and permeates his life to the core. His love for the Church beings tears to his eyes many Sundays. We have wept together, he and I, often during prayer, many a song, and many a Eucharist.

He held his bell with a smile pasted across his entire face. I noticed the figure on top and asked him who it was. Knowing his love for icons and the saints I expected it to be one of his heroes of the faith, a fellow sojourner to shout out the Great Peace of Easter.

"This, oh it's Sant....." came out with his think Greek accent...."a Clause!" Santa Clause!

The entire gathering erupted with laughter! Our first shout into the darkness was joy.

Perfect.This is all that the Great Vigil is...an deep expression of the Ultimate Joy.

My last Sunday my beloved deacon handed me a gift:
 "Father, you have given me a great gift. I have never seen a man celebrate the Eucharist with such joy in my life.  I wanted you to have this to remember the joy." He handed me the bag. It was his Santa Clause bell.

How can I not have such joy? When I look at the plate I see the Body of Christ, not me.

All I can say is thank you. I am not dead. And Lord, neither are you!

It is true. Really, really true.

Ring it out from every hill and mountainside! Christ the Lord is risen to day! Hallelujah!