Christmas is a time of celebration. The moment prepared by God since the dawn of the world has arrived. When we compare how we celebrate Christmas today with the accounts of the birth of Jesus in the Gospel, we are struck by the simplicity of that momentous day. We behold Mary and her openness to God’s will, Joseph and his determination to stand by Mary, and an infant who is the living sacrament of God’s love for us. There were no Martha Stewart Living Generous George Festive Mouse Ornaments, no special order organic berry Christmas cakes, no designer cashmere scarves from Bloomingdale’s. During this Christmas season, let us focus on what is essential.