Christmas is now upon us. Once more we celebrate the birth of Jesus 2,000 years ago. And for many reasons, the Christmas song that declares this is the “most wonderful time of the year,” especially the Andy Williams version, seems to sum up much of our society, our culture and the world.

 

It is undeniable that there is a sense of happiness and lifting of the spirit that seems to pervade the weeks leading up to Christmas. People get together and catch up often with friends not seen for some time. Families find ways to gather, and children in yet another generation experience the feeling of magic with presents and lights and trees of Christmas. Many times, hearts that are sad are so because they could not be with friends and loved ones to enjoy the general good feeling.

 

Still, this description of our annual holiday time, and even the lyrics themselves of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” set the stage for a subsequent emptiness that is so sadly widespread. In the popular culture the mention of the events of Bethlehem, that are at the center of our celebration and even our gift-giving, are notable for their absence.

 

On a recent evening, driving to an evening celebration, I passed through neighborhood after neighborhood. As I looked at the Christmas displays of lights in the yards, their variety was striking. Some had the ever-popular colored lights blinking and flashing. Others had blow-up figures of everything from Frosty the Snowman to an enormous St. Bernard with the cask of brandy under its chin, bidding welcome to visitors in the snow.

 

What was strikingly rare was a representation among the Christmas decorations of the manger scene and the figures that would remind us of what Christmas is.

 

It should make us reflect that we do live in a time when throughout the year, sadness seems to be everywhere. People seem edgy and easily brought to anger. We know of so much violence. Our public discourse and policy disagreements continually remind us that we are deeply divided. We need to ask ourselves, why, in the midst of such material well-being, do so many people seem to be so unfulfilled and unhappy?

 

Doesn’t that lead us to think that something is missing? And doesn’t Christmas provide the answer?

We are in a time when many are living in a spiritual void. Without care of our souls and without a purpose that drives our lives and our bodies, we can be left feeling empty, unfulfilled and without meaning.

 

But the story of Christmas is the story of the human race, and of each one of us as a member, being given a second chance after original sin. God did not turn His face away from us. Quite the opposite. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life” (Jn 3:16).

 

The Son of God born on Christmas day has shared our human nature with us in all things but sin. His coming was an act of love and sacrifice that we were made to emulate. His teaching and His offer of eternal life gives us meaning and a purpose. Mary, who faithfully carried the unborn child for nine months and held Him in the manger, shows us the sinless response and the joy to which we are called.

 

The Christmas story each December gives us a particular focus on joy, family and faith. But its message is the message for all year round. God loves us. He loves us so much that He came to be with us in our hour of need. And in prayer, truth and the sacraments He has stayed with us. This is the fulfillment of our joy and our special happiness in this season.

 

May God bless you and your family with a Merry Christmas.