My Christmas wish for all of us...

I sat down with coffee #2 in order to write a short note this morning here on the blog, and I ended up writing a tiny little poem draft instead. I was listening to Lindsey Stirling's heartbreakingly lovely rendition of "What Child is This?" (Mary's Carol), and I started thinking about how strange, how frightening, it must have been for the young mother who said "yes" to God and to humanity. How one person could have that much strength, faith, and grace to bear all things, as John Donne said it in his poem "Annunciation," " That All, which always is all everywhere" humbles me profoundly.

Our world is a messy place. It always has been. The age in which Jesus was born was just as violent and troubled, and many people in authority were just as intent on hurting marginalized people as they are today. You would think that people might have learned a little something since then, given our ability to dig deeper, both literally and figuratively, into history. But no, people are the same; just the date changes. That said, though, there are some of us-- many, I think-- who work daily towards the goal of making someone else's life a little easier. I suppose that in some small way, those of us who care about our fellow humans are also saying "yes" to God and humanity, hoping to bring some light and grace into someone else's existence. I'd like to think that if enough people did this, it would be a sort of peaceful revolution; standing up for justice and pushing back against hate is a full-time job, but one we can engage in, knowing that God's work can and will be done through our efforts. We are here for a reason; let that be our guide and our banner.

So today, Christmas Eve, my fervent wish for all of us is for strength and dedication. We will need it in the coming days and months ahead; we always have. Let our purpose be one of caritas, true love of humankind. 

Blessings on Christmastide to you and yours,

C