Why Do We Love Christmas So Much?
It is inherent to our humanity to want to be loved. Corporate heads, entertainers, sports and political figures have public relations advisors who guide them through the gauntlet of public opinion. Everyone wants a favorable rating from the populous.
The truth is that not everyone is so loveable. At times, we all fall short of that glorious standard of being favored by others. There is a deficiency in our loving and being loved. Holy-days help us.
Most people are blessed at Christmas-time. In the dark of the winter solstice, myriads of beautifully colored lights don homes and workplaces. The aroma of pumpkin spice transitions to the fragrance of pine needles and cinnamon. In the cold of late December, glowing fireplaces and hot beverages warm hearts.
Then, in a twinkling of an eye, hustle and bustle marvelously turn to peace on Christmas Eve…all the better if a soft, sound-deadening snowfall gently lulls one to sleep in the easy chair. Family reunions commence with delicious foods and seemingly no constraints. There are exceptions, but most people have much to look forward to as December escorts us to another year end.
The Gospels of Matthew and Luke grant us a view to a young couple in a precarious struggle to comply with a government decree to register for a census. For more than two thousand years, the birth of their child has mesmerized billions of people. Simply put, we love this child!
The reason so many love the newborn son of Bethlehem is that he represents the divine answer to our love problem. Love came down at Christmas. For unto us was born, the one sent from heaven, with love on a mission.
The perfect lover of sporadically unlovable souls made a somewhat quiet entrance into the world. Lowly shepherds, not particularly loved by society, were notified by angelic messengers.
Those who bring good news of great joy to all people, today, are like those heavenly heralds. We have the privilege of lighting the way and warming the hearts of those around us, by announcing that peace and love have come to us.
May God bless you this Christmas with every blessing of heaven, as you remember the light of the world and the love of heaven, who has given us life…new, abundant, and eternal — where the joys of family reunion will never end.
Merry Christmas!
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
December 16, 2023
