Shrouded in darkness, the world waited in silent stillness.
With no fanfare, but quietly, as an infant, came the Savior, the Christ,
the one for whom the people of Israel had been waiting with great expectation.
In this moment, the turning point in the history of humanity,
the gift of hope was given to the world.
In an infant, we see the ultimate sign of hope. When parents looks at their newborn child, they cannot know what this child will become. What the child’s personality will be, its accomplishments, its challenges and triumphs, its hopes and dreams, remain a mystery, to be revealed only through the passage of time.
And so, quietly, this savior entered the world, and changed everything forever.
With him came justice and peace, joy and purity, and above all, a new understanding of love which was expressed in perfection on a fateful Friday, some 30 years in the future. This tiny, adorable infant would ultimately bring the gift of salvation.
How, then, could we not have hope in a season such as this?
As a sign of the enduring love of God, to this day, hope is borne forth through our own incarnation of selfless love. During this time of year, we might be a little less quick to judge and a little quicker to respond benevolently. We might be a little less concerned with our own comfort and a little more likely to find joy in giving of ourselves for others. We might be willing to have a table that isn’t full to overflowing, to ensure that another’s table isn’t empty.
There is no doubt that we have reasons to be concerned with the absence of peace and prosperity in our world, but there should be no doubt that we have a reason for hope. Despite the challenges that face all of us, there is always hope for something better, and Christmas brings that hope to life.
It is no wonder that Frank Capra’s masterpiece, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” has become an almost essential part of the celebration of this holiday for many people. The timeless lesson of George Bailey, the protagonist, is one that we could all do well to heed. George falls into despair and depression, feeling that he has nothing more to give, no reason to go on living. Through a divine intercessor named Clarence, George regains lost hope and sees the reasons he should go on living.
Indeed, each one of us is an integral part of this world, and through the love and charity that we offer in our lives, we bring hope to a world fraught with challenges and struggles.
If nothing else, then, we should draw a sense of hope and optimism through this holiday. We have been blessed abundantly; we have so much for which we should be thankful, and indeed, we have much more for which we can hope.
By the Rev. Gregory Kreinheder, NY
'Nuf said. Happy Birthday Jesus, and may you have many many more, forever and a day!
