The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom
a light has shone.
For a child is born to us, a son is given us;
upon his shoulder dominion rests.
They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero,
Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. (Is 9:1,5)
Cue the music: I can never read or hear this passage from the prophet Isaiah without hearing Handel’s Messiah in the background, “For unto us a child is born…” As I hear that music within me, I get happier and happier. Every valley, Glory to God, and all the other pieces of that great masterpiece play in my head and I am filled with great joy and overwhelming peace.
That is what this day truly brings to us. This day is a message of peace and joy and love. All brought to us by the birth of God’s only Son, Jesus Christ.
As we celebrate His birth, everything else seems to come to a pause. No matter how crazy our world my be, not matter how dark and gloomy, no matter how frightening, for a while all is peaceful and calm.
The practice of Christmas peace has even trickled down to times of war. There have been several stories of enemies calling a truce on Christmas day, many times even dining together or playing games together. For a day, they set aside their implements of war and lived as a people of peace. It was always so unfortunate that those moments would not last and that they would return, the next day, to their struggles and deaths.
That reminds us, though, that we have a choice. We can celebrate Christmas today — and today only — and go back to a live contrary to the Gospel tomorrow. Or, we could allow this day to change us and give us the grace that we need to continue Christmas peace and joy tomorrow. And the day after that. And the day after that. And the…
FAITH ACTION: This is a day when we do our best to celebrate with many people. When you are with family or friends today, take some time to sing Christmas Carols together and celebrate the joy brought to you by Christ’s birth!