December 13, 2024

This is a beautiful, magical, sparkling time of year. It can also be a difficult time of year for many people. The short days and the deep cold add difficulty to much of our daily life. There can be pressure to feel ________ (joyful, grateful, peaceful, fill-in-the-blank-ful). There can be the assumption that everyone else is off to holiday parties or is celebrating with a house full of family. The assumption that everyone else feels a sense of joy and peace. Sometimes these things are true. But sometimes they are not.

I know six families who have lost loved ones in the last few weeks. I know people who are facing their first holiday without a loved one. I know people who will not be seeing family this year because things are strained, or money is too tight to travel, or they aren't healthy enough. People who are not sure what their housing situation might look like in the coming year, or what they might be facing as a refugee in the upcoming United States.

I also know parents who are celebrating a new baby's first Christmas this year, people celebrating good news from the doctor, families who are overjoyed at getting to spend some down time together. I know one couple celebrating a new engagement (full disclosure: this one is my oldest son and his lovely, long-time girlfriend, and we are thrilled!).

There is no doubt that this season can bring a mix of emotions, and heightened emotions. That first Christmas was probably a mix of emotions and heightened emotions as well. Mary and Joseph were young and not yet married, which meant that expecting a baby would have caused quite a cultural stir. They had no money, no status, no sense of security about the future. There must have been anticipation and hopefulness. There must also have been uncertainty, fear, and strain. They must have been cold, and tired, and hungry, at times. And, from all of that, came the dawning of new light for the entire world.

Whatever you may or many not be feeling this Advent and Christmas season, my prayer is that you know that, just as Mary and Joseph were, you are held in God's embrace. Whether you find that embrace a safe place to cry, or a joyful place to celebrate, my prayer is that you feel that embrace, as we once again wait for the dawning of new light. As we wait for Love to be born again.