December Meditation

Christmas is almost upon us and yet even in the midst of our childlike enthusiasm and wonder, there is a darkness that would seek to overwhelm us.

Indeed, for some the hopelessness and despair, the regrets and the pain; are all too real.

We hear of the abrupt end to an innocent life, the family man unable to cope that commits suicide. The young person on drugs or sleeping rough, the broken relationships and hearts. The diagnosis of disease that no-one wants to hear, the new strain of Covid 19.

The darkness envelops our souls and insidiously tries to pull us down, to extinguish the joy and optimism that the festive season tries so hard to provide. To cancel Christmas.

And yet, my heart rejoices!

As I hear the words and reflect on the carol that no doubt, we will all sing along to this week.

O little town of Bethlehem.
https://www.carols.org.uk/olittletownofbethlehem.htm

Read the words and click on the link to listen to the familiar tune.

This was written by an American pastor in 1868, and encapsulates the essence and importance of what occurred on that special night in Bethlehem. The words that particularly hit home for me, were

“Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light”.

Wow, no matter how dark things get, no matter how thick and dense the darkness is, the Christ child is our “everlasting light”.

His light cannot be extinguished! Christmas cannot be cancelled, as the true meaning of Christmas centres around Christ.

God bless you all and have a wonderful Christmas celebrating the Christ child.

Lesley