I grew up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh. A light dusting of snowflakes covered the roads as we drove to my grandmother Elisabetta’s home. We celebrated Christmas Eve in a rich, traditional Italian fashion, warmed by the loving company of family and a chorus of candles anticipating the arrival of God’s Morning Star.

Grandma Elisabetta welcomed many into her home. She conversed with family and friends in her kitchen as she lovingly handcrafted gnocchi and ravioli on a wooden board atop her kitchen table, along with her incredible homemade spaghetti sauce simmering on the stovetop, focaccia bread baking in the gas oven and a variety of Christmas pastries on display. When I was 5 years of age, she served me numerous cups of espresso in that humble kitchen – my friends tell me this contributed to my unique personality.

On Christmas Eve my family celebrated the Feast of Seven Fishes. Elisabetta prepared seven different types of fish. I remember laughter, humorous family stories and a feeling of hope and joy as we celebrated Christ’s birth. A beautiful song from the Old Country floods my soul and joins a celestial choir welcoming His coming:

Tu scendi dale stelle, O Re del cielo – You came down from the stars, Oh King of heaven;

E vieni in una grotta, al freddo e al gelo – And entered into a grotto, in the cold and ice.

O bambino, mio divino, Io ti vedo qui a tremar – Oh my divine little baby, I see you shivering;

O Dio beato – O blessed God,

A cuanto ti costó l’avermi amato – How much it cost you to love me.

My memories flood with fond images of loved ones from times past, those who have gone before me to live with the Lord forever. God is with us. He left His home to be with us, to welcome us into His family, and so we welcome Him into our hearts, to bring His loving company and light to those who tremble in a dark and troubled world.

– Dr. Nick Palmieri
Professor of Adult Education, Palm Beach Atlantic University