When pondering the biblical accounts of Christmas, it becomes apparent that our current circumstances are not so different from those 2,000 years ago. While the story may appear charming in nativity plays, the reality on the ground would have been fraught with challenges: injustice, inadequate shelter, and the threat of death are among the existential difficulties featuring in the Christmas story. Nevertheless, the nativity is ultimately a story of hope. So here are my blessings for you for this season and beyond:
May you find signs of hope and encouragement in unexpected places.
May you always perceive the light, even in – and particularly in – moments of darkness.
May you find and follow the star that guides you home.
May you be able to say at the end of your journey, that your life was worthwhile because you encountered Emmanuel – God with us.
For further inspiration, you may find it to look at the examples of various interpretations of aspects of the Christmas story that I shared about yesterday.
I wish you and your loved ones a hope-filled, peaceful Christmas.