A major life event has, up to now, distracted me from writing any posts for this Christmas season; my best friend Dr. Joseph Piszczor, died in November.

It was sudden, unexpected, and pummeling; yet it is exactly at such tribulation that the pull of faith that there must be more to life than ‘tribulation,’ that the vitalizing implications of Christmas may offer the most invaluable re-assurance and solace.

Today, the third Sunday of Advent, is called Gaudete – Rejoice – Sunday, a departure from contemplating Jesus’ approach, to yielding to its transforming joy. Thus, I post the venerable Christmas music, ‘Gaudete,’ whose breathless, urgent tone is more than encouragement, though less than command: It is exhortation.

And I have chosen to submit to its intensity; and to look upon the kindness of those around me, aware of my sorrow, as evidence of how we are all in this together. And that a desire to not be consumed by despair – for some hope beyond logical hope – is valid, beneficial, possibly even essential, by making it easier to bear the eventual loss of those we love, a de-emphasis of the Self – by embracing faith that it is but one part of a greater and glorious continuum – which makes us more fully alive and human.

My main post for Christmas is still being written, and will be dedicated to Joe, especially fitting, as he was a lover of great music. And in his memory and honor, I do, and shall rejoice.