But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.
(Luke 2.10-11
NRSV)
In FOR BETTER OR WORSE, adolescent Michael looks at the tree with all of its presents around it and thinks, "I wonder what I'm gonna get. I asked for video tapes, a laser tag, track pants, a camera...."
Grandpa comes in with a huge smile. As Michael and he stand together in front of the tree he says, "You know, Mike. We've got it all! We've got our health, our home, a warm fire, good food and family. Only a fool could ask for more!"
We can agree with Grampa, but deep in our hearts we yearn to believe that there is something more. We could all list the things we are thankful for this Christmas food, family, health, a nice home, all the blessings this world can afford, and they are still not enough. Many people possess these things, but still have a deep emptiness in their hearts. I believe that is why, even though they may ignore the church the rest of the year, they love to hum the carols at Christmas time. Those carols are the best reminder in this world that there is a vertical dimension to life that though our health deserts us and though we lose our loved ones to death and even if our homes burn down, there is still reason to go on because, from out of the deepest recesses of eternity, God has sent His own son into the world.
God of love, fill me with your fulfilling love. Amen.