Christmas 2021
As we celebrate the Christmas Festivities this year it seems to be a good time to think about where we are. Last Christmas was very different and again this year will be different for many reasons most of them pandemic related. Over the last 18 months many things have happened and so many people have lost much loved family members as a result of the pandemic as well as other health related reasons. I am reminded of the line in the rites of the church that reads that for gods faithful people life is changed not ended and that is true for us this year as we reflect on the Christmas Story and what it means to us today. As we think about the Christmas story in 2021 the question to ask ourselves is this; has all our preparation been about tinsel and glitter without anything else especially the spiritual preparation that Advent calls for. Preparing for Christmas is often a tense time as the craziness goes on around us craziness that is magnified with the pandemic and all the restrictions it has brought.
At this time when we celebrate the birth of “a saviour who has been born for us”, we welcome an opportunity to put aside our cares and worries, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus the Son of God. As we do this we cannot forget those who are less well off than we are, those who have little or nothing at all. We are mindful of all those organizations such as the Salvation Army and the St. Vincent DePaul who do so much good for so many at this time of year and throughout the whole year. We also remember in a special way all those who have been affected by COVID19 as well as their families. We thank god for all those in the caring professions that have given so much to keep all of us safe and sound they are the real heroes in all of this. None of us will travel to Bethlehem to behold the newborn infant lying in the manger in the way the original shepherds and the wise men did. Some of our Christmas customs seem to turn away from Christ. Or do they? The giving of gifts expresses love of one person for another. Festive decorations set this season apart from all others.
Santa Claus was originally St. Nicholas, who was bishop of Myra in Lycia which is now in Turkey he was remembered for his generosity. Every letter or card sent and received bears the stamp of this special season, tidings of good will, and a reminder that those who are far away are close to us in mind and heart. The customs of this season direct all of us to one message: Christ is born for us. To hear the good news, we gather together in our churches. There the message of Christmas speaks loud and clear. The Letter to the Hebrews clearly tells us, “In times past, God spoke in various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he has spoken to us through his Son.” The customs of Christmas speak the message in partial ways, but God speaks the message clearly through his Son, who is in our midst this Christmas time. At this time the whole community of heaven joins with all believers of good will on earth in a jubilant song of praise for the good news proclaimed by the angels:
Behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people, for to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:10-11). So with Mary and Joseph with the shepherds and Angels and the Arch Angels and the whole company of heaven Let us take the good news of great joy into our hearts and let the joy and peace flourish therein. We are the people who once walked in darkness who have seen the light that Isaiah talks about. Let us be thankful for this great light that is Christ the Son of God our saviour the light of the world. Let us keep the light burning brightly in our hearts and in our lives. There will be many trials and difficult times for all of us as we continue to journey with the COVID pandemic as there have been many trials for so many people over the last 18 months. But for all of us who believe in Christ the light nothing is impossible for in Jesus the Christ Child God became man and he gives us faith and hope . So Come let us adore Christ the Lord the face of the fathers love for all of us whoever we are wherever we are this Christmas Time.
Fullerton T 