“We no longer walk in darkness.” We can see – and, thanks be to God, we can be seen. Even though we might prefer to “sleep in heavenly peace” (as the hymn goes) and ignore the reality of what is going on around us, we dare not forget the historical context of this birth story which Christmas announces. It was a gloomy world into which Jesus was born. It was a world filled with suffering people who were valued only for their labor and the taxes they had to pay. Christmas is the story of real people: humble servants of God, refugees, those fleeing a dangerous tyrant, and who were homeless (with no place to rest their heads).
In our own day, distracted by gifts, commercials, lights, trees, and Saint Nick, we run the risk of missing the truth and the real mystery of this Feast. For example, when we pray that God will help refugees and the homeless in our own day, do we “get it” that God wants to use us to do just that? When we pray that God will free us from dangerous tyrants and bring peace to the world, do we “get it” that God has sent us to do that? We want God to do what God has already done through the Incarnation, the birth of His Son: God has already taken on human flesh, through His Son – who taught us how to feed the hungry, to make peace, and to be responsible for one another.
Are we willing to experience this Christmas with a deeper and more personal understanding of what has happened to us (and all of creation) because of what we recall and celebrate today? Christmas is not just about the birth of Christ … it is also about who and what we have become because the Word became flesh. “He has made all things new!” (Revelation 21)
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The Holy Cross Parish Staff wishes you a Joyful Christmas: a Christmas rooted in the serenity that deep faith provides, strong enough to survive the disappointments and sorrows life delivers to our doorstep and exuberant enough to celebrate life’s happiest times. May the birthday of Christ touch all of us with deep joy.
We pray that you will have a Peaceful Christmas: marked by the peace the world is so clearly unable to give itself; the peace that broken hearts long for; the peace that is ours to share with one another in forgiveness, kindness, and charity; the peace that might one day end wars and bind nations together if we take seriously our role in making it happen. May the birthday of Christ sow seeds of peace in our hearts.
Finally, we pray that you have a Hopeful Christmas: hope, because so much in the world around us encroaches on our capacity to hope: like all that which seems intent on draining the beauty and poetry from our lives – while our ever-burgeoning “knowledge” robs us of awe and reverence before the mystery of life, of love, and of God. May the birthday of Christ renew and refresh hope in our hearts.
So, we wish you a Joyful, Peaceful, and Hopeful Christmas! And should your Christmas be merry and happy, too – all the better! May God continue to bless us all!
