I saw a greeting card recently that reminded me of what Christmas is about.
Once again the revelry will be muted and gatherings curtailed—if not outright canceled. That has saddened and disappointed me as, I’m sure, it has saddened and disappointed you. But remembering the original and essential meaning of Christmas brings me peace.
Yes, Christmas is an explicitly religious holiday, regardless of regular attempts to secularize it. It is meant to be a celebration of the Father’s love for His children by sending light into a dark world.
It is also a celebration of a mother’s love for her newborn child. In the face of the perils of her world, she chose to listen, believe and hope. Out of hope and love, she brought light into a dark world.
In other words, Christmas is about hope and love. And as far as it is about hope and love, it also about the joyful heart that expresses both. Whatever further deprivations I am experiencing, I am reminding myself of that.
I wish you a very Merry Christmas and I pray that by the next time I see you, hope and love will have taken enough roost in my heart that I can express them joyfully towards you.