The shepherds were the first to be given the news by an angel that the long awaited savior was born. As they attempted to understand what this meant, a multitude of the heavenly host appeared with the angel praising God, and saying,“Glory to God in high heaven, On earth peace to people on whom God’s favor rests.” (Luke 2:14)

It was the end of many years of waiting, it was the fulfillment of God’s great promise to humankind (Gen. 3:15), and it was the culmination of God’s preparation work through the patriarchs, the prophets and John the Baptist.

For the descendants of Abraham, a people of faith who took God at his word, the coming of the savior was to bring about a reign of justice and peace. Harmony would prevail in their nation, human beings would treat one another with dignity, God would be among his people (Immanuel) in the idealistic way spoken of by Isaiah (11:6) where all creation would be as one, and heaven and earth would be re-aligned as God had envisioned at the time of creation.

At this Christmas 2015, we remember the savior’s first coming at Bethlehem. For a number of weeks, in some faith traditions known as Advent, the scripture readings have traced the history of salvation. This has included the story of creation, the fall from God’s grace of mankind, the promise of God to send a savior, the numerous reminders of that promise through the prophets and the witness of godly leaders. These efforts at remembering are aimed at keeping the meaning of Christmas foremost. We can so easily get caught up in all the secular aspects of Christmas and, yet, these have a value in setting a mood of celebration and joy.

Personally, I like the way our community creates a celebrative spirit leading up to Christmas. So much goodwill is shown, many groups, agencies, churches reach out to help, and many individuals and families provide special care and help to individuals who are in need or lonely or hurting. The Christmas decorations and lights in our homes, stores and streets remind us we are approaching a special anniversary celebration — the birth of Jesus Christ.

I also find it challenging and disturbing to think of our world today when viewed against the “promise of peace on earth.” We have seen many acts of terrorism in our nation and worldwide in recent years. We have seen acts of brutality and loss of life on too frequent a pattern. The refugee crisis worldwide touches the goodness and compassion in our lives. We have seen corruption and abuse of power in corporate and public life. We see brokenness in our family and individual lives.

As we celebrate Christmas 2015, I hope that every person can recapture the promise of Jesus’ first coming. Justice for everyone and peace are ideals worth striving for. Most likely, these values will not come about by legislative action or by force or by wishful thinking. Renewal and change for good begins in the heart of each individual. So what can/should you, the reader, and I do? How can we bring about a world that is just and peaceful?

How difficult is it for each of us to recognize resentments, judging others, anger and desire for revenge, even in small matters, in our lives? I think this is a first step. We might consider acknowledging these tendencies to someone whose opinion we value. We must let go of these ways of thinking and that is not easy. Do we need to find ways of talking with our families and friends that are honest and less likely to lead to conflict? Finally, we pray that the spirit of Christmas, especially the gifts of peacefulness and joy, will enter our hearts. My wish for you the reader is that you will discover a new level of peace in your life this Christmas.

 

The Rev. David O’Connor is the pastor of St. Mary Basilica in Natchez.