It is
the last day of 2013. There is always something a little poignant to endings
even though they usually herald new beginnings. In a way, I like that we
celebrate Christmas, the birth of Christ, at the end of the year for it
symbolizes for me the continuity of hope and joy into the new year.
Despite it being wintry cold in the Northern Hemisphere, the Nativity is the beacon of light in the darkness, bringing life, warmth and good cheer. It is the reminder that amidst tragedy, violence and loss, a baby was born in humble circumstances to become the one who will save the world. Goodness will triumph over evil. Peace, and joy, will prevail.
As with any superhero, life is never smooth sailing. There is even danger. Shortly after his birth, Jesus and his parents have to flee to Egypt and live in exile.
The Nativity story is one of privation, hardship and yawning uncertainty. It speaks of great trials for Mary and Joseph, from the time she said yes to carrying the Son of Man in her womb, and he said yes to protecting a pregnant woman and the life of a particular foetus.
This is what inspires me, these two remarkable people who were the parents of Jesus. Mary, a gutsy young woman who accepts the unusual gift of her son at incredible risk of shame and death.
Joseph, a man who undertakes to care for his affianced, and later her child, although he is under no obligation to do so. His deep and resilient faith his only guiding force in what seemed like a betrayal of the highest order.
Their faith and fidelity to God speaks of their great love for God. To go beyond the human inclination to give up, walk away in anger and disgust, choose the easier option or simply say no to definite heartache was possible only because they recognized and subscribed to what real love is.
Real love seeks the good of the other, even to the point of sacrifice that seems foolish to the rest of the world. True love is enduring and does not rely on emotion or reciprocity to keep on being loyal, affirming and life-giving. Pure love keeps forgiving and giving, beyond duty, sense, or even justice.
Joseph and Mary understood that and lived it out. Is it any wonder that their son, Jesus, grew up to be the man He was? His parents did real good by their fully human, fully divine son.
While I do not have children, I can still aspire to be as loving as they were. And I am ever hopeful because good people like Joseph and Mary do exist, as they did all those years ago.
May Jesus, Mary and Joseph carry you into the new year and bring you the hope and joy of the Nativity. Happy New Year.
Despite it being wintry cold in the Northern Hemisphere, the Nativity is the beacon of light in the darkness, bringing life, warmth and good cheer. It is the reminder that amidst tragedy, violence and loss, a baby was born in humble circumstances to become the one who will save the world. Goodness will triumph over evil. Peace, and joy, will prevail.
As with any superhero, life is never smooth sailing. There is even danger. Shortly after his birth, Jesus and his parents have to flee to Egypt and live in exile.
The Nativity story is one of privation, hardship and yawning uncertainty. It speaks of great trials for Mary and Joseph, from the time she said yes to carrying the Son of Man in her womb, and he said yes to protecting a pregnant woman and the life of a particular foetus.
This is what inspires me, these two remarkable people who were the parents of Jesus. Mary, a gutsy young woman who accepts the unusual gift of her son at incredible risk of shame and death.
Joseph, a man who undertakes to care for his affianced, and later her child, although he is under no obligation to do so. His deep and resilient faith his only guiding force in what seemed like a betrayal of the highest order.
Their faith and fidelity to God speaks of their great love for God. To go beyond the human inclination to give up, walk away in anger and disgust, choose the easier option or simply say no to definite heartache was possible only because they recognized and subscribed to what real love is.
Real love seeks the good of the other, even to the point of sacrifice that seems foolish to the rest of the world. True love is enduring and does not rely on emotion or reciprocity to keep on being loyal, affirming and life-giving. Pure love keeps forgiving and giving, beyond duty, sense, or even justice.
Joseph and Mary understood that and lived it out. Is it any wonder that their son, Jesus, grew up to be the man He was? His parents did real good by their fully human, fully divine son.
While I do not have children, I can still aspire to be as loving as they were. And I am ever hopeful because good people like Joseph and Mary do exist, as they did all those years ago.
May Jesus, Mary and Joseph carry you into the new year and bring you the hope and joy of the Nativity. Happy New Year.
No comments:
Post a Comment