As for the rest of the world, Christmas at the abbey was different this year. Even after nine months of quarantine, the lack of guests and retreatants was still felt. But, in many ways, the monks carried on much as they have year after year: work and prayer.

There was uncertainty about how the pandemic would affect sales of Gethsemani Farms fruitcake and fudge. Thanks be to God (and to our customers) that business was brisk right until the end. Then, after weeks of packaging and shipping, all settled into the joyful tranquility of the Solemnity of the Lord’s Nativity.

Below are some scenes of the season. May the Lord bless everyone abundantly this Christmastide and always.