Keeping the Christ in Christmas

Other bloggers have been chatting about the secularization of the feat of the Incarnation, and the almost bully-like methods by which people have been denouncing Christianity in this celebration.  I am not going to do that so much.


But a few days age, on the Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe, The U.S. Bishops office came out with a communication that they would be renewing their anti-poverty campaign.  (www.usccb.org/about/catholic-campaign-for-human-development/povertyusa/)  For those who are old enough we remember the posters that declared that 'God does not make junk.  This season is about the coming of Jesus Christ into our midst to bring us salvation and peace.  What better way to celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ by being aware and responding to the poor, anawim, and the oppressed.


As we try to establish and dismantle creche scenes in the public square, we might want to consider that the 'Advent' people whom we contemplate during this time were people of action.  There was a lot of pondering of the word of God to be sure, but we have Joseph making decisions based on righteousness and justice; and Mary goes to her cousin's house to offer service and support.  Mary and Joseph, with Jesus, will become refugees as they seek to escape the tyranny of King Herod.  


This sort of human struggle continues today.  It is so very important that this Feast reminds us as to the 'why' it is necessary for Jesus to come into our lives in the first place.  Christmas is really a challenge of welcoming the light of Christ into the darkness of our world.  John's first chapter muses upon this as it considers that Jesus came as a light, but people loved the darkness.  As a Christian people we should be bold and courageous in pronouncing our faith, and even more so in living a lifestyle of dignity, compassion and respect.


The end of the year economic statistics show a widening group of families who are at, or just above, the poverty line.  Forecasts for the coming year do not look much better.  St. Peter, in one of his letters, praised his community for their faith and unselfishness.  He indicated that they were a real model of faith for other Christians and for non-believers.  Even better than debating the meaning of Christmas in newspapers and the like, is responding to the needs and concerns of many who share life with us, to uphold the sanctity and dignity of life, and to care for the hurting, anxious, and the afraid.  


Our shepherds have called us to respond in Christ-like fashion towards our brothers and sisters.  In doing so our light shines and dispels the darkness.