A fitting end to a troubling year...

[glennagirl.livejournal.com]

This past year has been one for the books, hopefully not what we have in store for the new year. To all who have been victimized by it, either through health issues or loss of income, or the distress of such uncertain times, I pray for peace and reassurances that it can and will get better.

For me, on Christmas Eve, I find the antidote to all of it.  The promise of the Christ Child is one that transcends every evil, every disappointment or moment of despair. 

It is the message of Christmas to have hope.

While I recognize that not everyone's celebration of Christmas is rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ, it is the beginning of it.  While we acknowledge that the date has been taken from pagan beginnings, the message is the power of hope and faith. Transferring the events of the birth of Jesus from its probable Autumn date cannot change the narrative of such glory, of the angelic chorus heralding his birth in the humblest of surroundings.  That was to speak to his humanity and accessibility; not seated with the powerful but laid in the midst of the most common, the least favored in society.

That message is ours today, that in spite of what rails against us or threatens, we have an advocate who needs only our permission to speak or act on our behalf. I am aware that people, writers and readers, do not come here for advocacy of my faith, but I take editorial privilege to write these things.  I would be remiss if I did not, and so leave it to you to receive or dismiss it.

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Merry Christmas to all!

[mrua7.livejournal.com]