The sound of Christmas carols echoed off the tall buildings surrounding St. Andrew’s Church. The snow-covered streets and brisk winter air added to the backdrop, creating a portrait of Christmas from an age gone by.
Laughing children, flowing habits, and the faint scent of hot chocolate filled the city square as costumes were donned for the long-awaited Christmas pageant.
The Sisters of Life sponsored this “new” parish tradition, which is now in its third year. But due to social distancing concerns, the event was held outside at the foot of the historic church’s stairs.
With their characteristic hospitality, the Sisters welcomed the community with warm churros, mincemeat pies, and cookies. And when it came time to recruit players for the pageant, there was no shortage of eager children to fill the roles.
As Sr. Jordan began narrating the Nativity play, the crowd fell silent, and parents and onlookers beamed with a mixture of pride and joy.
The entire event felt like a journey back to a simpler time when every city street echoed with happy tidings of “Merry Christmas!”
The streets of lower Manhattan have been host to generations of religious women, from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton to St. Mother Cabrini and Servant of God Dorothy Day — all bringing the Love of Christ to those in need.
Today, the Sisters of Life continue this legacy of love, serving the needs of the present day, with their special charism of promoting the dignity of all human life.
And in this tiny corner of this vast city, the triumph of God’s love was proclaimed.
“Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
For today in the city of David, a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.
And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”
And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:
“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
And once again, the true spirit of Christmas captured the hearts of young and old alike. Just as it did for those first shepherds some 2,000 years ago.
