Tis the season to be
schizophrenic. The world calls
this the holiday season, better known as its shopping season – or even worse
the Christmas season --- where images of the babe in the manger are replaced by
pictures of Santa Claus hauling in not just a bag full of toys for good boys
and girls but also luxury cars tied up with a bow to demonstrate our “love”.
Even the Alleluia
chorus has been co-opted. You can
hear it on tv selling Target red cards and telling you you can actually save if
you’ll only spend more and more and more in their stores.
What
has happened to our season of Advent --- a time of preparation for the Christ
child – a time to study and pray --- a time to realize the true meaning of
Christmas in hope, peace, joy and love?
We,
too, far too often echo the words of so long ago. “There is no room in the inn.” It’s full of shopping, parties, and family gatherings,
pushing and shoving to get that last great deal or the last parking space at
the mall.
I
sound like a curmudgeon, the epitome of Scrooge, but that is not my
intent. The reality is that I love
these weeks leading up to Christmas.
I throw my fair share of parties and laugh with my friends at
theirs. I even spend time shopping
for just the right gifts.
But
then at the end of the day, I light my advent candle and I remind myself of the
Light of Love that came into our world of darkness. I remind myself that no matter how hopeless life may seem
that same love will strengthen us and give us the power to find our way
through.
In the end, true
joy is not found in our grownup toys, but in believing this, knowing this,
celebrating this, and that brings peace to my heart. It brings the assurance
and faith that allows each of us to work for the peace, love, hope and joy
Christ brings in our hearts and the hearts of others.
So
have yourself a merry, merry Christ-mas and spend some time spreading the real
the meaning of that greeting to all.
