I sense that many of those around me are having a difficult time finding peace this Christmas. We are still struggling with the murders of the children in Newtown, Connecticut and then there is the threat of the "fiscal cliff." This is not the first Christmas where I have experienced this. I recall the past holiday seasons where there has been a sense of unrest. 1963 in particular comes to mind. President Kennedy was assassinated only days before Thanksgiving and as a result there seemed to be a pall over the entire holiday season.
Tragedy and unrest are nothing new in this world. Consider the world into which the Christ Child was born. The Jews were an oppressed people. Even the lives of the holy family had been disrupted because Caesar had decided he need to make sure he was getting his fair share. On arrival in Bethlehem they found themselves "street people," their only shelter being a stable. The tragedy came later when Herod, out of jealousy, ordered the murder of innocent children.
Very few people caught the vision of "Peace on Earth" in those days. I believe that Mary and Joseph sensed it, as did the shepherds. Simeon and Anna sensed it (see Luke 2:21-38). I pray that you will sense it too during this Christmas Season. Remember Jesus' words to his disciples, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33).
Celebrate well this Christmas. In the midst of tragedy and uncertainty we have peace... the peace found in a manger.
No comments:
Post a Comment