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Fourth Week of Advent - Friday
December 24, 2004
In the tender compassion of our God
The dawn from on high shall break upon us,
To shine on those who dwell in darkness
And the shadow of death.
And to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Luke 1: 78-79
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Ready for Christmas?
Christmas is almost here. It has been hectic getting ready for it. You have decorated your house inside and out with strings of lights and garland. You have prepared tray upon tray of Christmas treats for office and neighbors and family. You have jostled with crowds of shoppers to find gifts for everyone on your list. You hurry about on this day before Christmas doing last minute errands and preparations. You have everything wrapped and ready to go. But are you really ready for Christmas?
You found a shirt for that person on your list who is hard to shop for. It is perfect for him. You even got it on sale. You wrapped it in brightly colored paper, and when he opens it his eyes will light up with pleasure. But did you consider where it came from, and why you got it so cheap? Perhaps it was stitched by a child in a factory somewhere. She works sixteen hours a day for a wage of a dollar a week. She started when she was eight. By now almost all her spirit has been drained out of her by the wretched conditions she lives in. She has nothing to hope for. If you find a flaw in your gift, try to understand.
In the post-Christian world in which we live, Christmas has become largely a secular observance. And like almost everything in our secular world, it is all about things that do not last. No matter how many shoppers crowd the stores, the retailers in the end will look at their numbers and declare Christmas to be anywhere from lackluster to dismal.
But for people of faith Christmas this year and every year is nothing short of glorious. It is the observance of the birth of the Christ child, who is God's perfect gift to the world. This child born in lowliness is a breaking dawn of light for a world dwelling in darkness. He is the dawn of hope for a world always on the brink of despair. He is the Prince of Peace, who brings the reign of peace to a world of disparity and division and discord. We will find no gift under our tree to compare with this.
We have prepared for everything else during this holiday season, but have we prepared ourselves to welcome the Prince of Peace? We cannot put Christ back into Christmas until we put him back in our hearts. Are we ready to join angels and shepherds in adoring the Christ Child? And are we ready to walk with him in renewed faith on the way of peace?
O Antiphon
Come, Lord Jesus,
Do not delay.
Give new courage to your people who trust in your love.
By your coming, raise us to the joy of your kingdom.
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