“Tis the season…
Posted by Pat on December 23, 2012 in Uncategorized | ∞
Much has been made of the human perspective on Jesus’ birth story. A baby, born to a poor couple in a small country occupied by a foreign army, grows up to heal the sick, spread a message of love and faith, and become one of the most revered and influential men in history. This is indeed an inspiring story, whatever your religious preference.
If we also choose to look at the baby Jesus as a symbol for the divine potential in every human, Christmas is indeed the best of times. Christmas is a wonder and a magic, meant to cheer the heart.
The great word at Christmas time is joy. The old hymn says, “Joy to the world! The Lord is come.”
It’s interesting to realize that before Jesus came there was very little love in the world. Oh, men and women fell in love. And mothers and fathers loved their children. And there was love among friends.
But in the ancient world love was 
not a recognized principle. It was not a concept that impacted governments then. There were no hospitals in the Roman Empire. There were no orphanages. There were no humanitarian institutions. Love was not a recognized force in human society. But Jesus taught that the answer to life was love. So fascinating and compelling was this message that before three centuries had passed, the formerly pagan Roman world turned to Christianity.
not a recognized principle. It was not a concept that impacted governments then. There were no hospitals in the Roman Empire. There were no orphanages. There were no humanitarian institutions. Love was not a recognized force in human society. But Jesus taught that the answer to life was love. So fascinating and compelling was this message that before three centuries had passed, the formerly pagan Roman world turned to Christianity.
In our world today, Christmas makes us aware that there are hungry and lonely people in the world. It prompts us to reach at least into our pockets, if not into our hearts, to share with others. It’s been said before that it’s too bad that Christmas comes only once a year. We could use the reminder of our innate connection to others, of “there but for the grace of God, go I.”
I would hope Christmas will always be the celebration of imagination, with its power to strengthen our heart on a cold day and sprinkle some glitter on a dark one,
- to give us the goodwill to wish a merry Christmas though there may not seem to be much to feel merry about,
- to give us the faith to believe that life is not just humdrum existence, but is capable of unbelievable wonder, and
- (in the manger that is the human heart) to know that Love may make its appearance.
No matter what seems to be going on in the world, I still choose joy as my favorite word. So, “Joy to the world!” and to you and your loved ones at this season.
What’s your favorite word?