As I flipped through TV stations recently, I came across two channels showing Christmas movies this month. I’m not sure how I feel about that, but I’m sure there are plenty of viewers enjoying them, so it’s probably a good programming decision. I haven’t watched any of the movies, but some of their titles are interesting and intriguing so I’ve gone as far as reading the summary for many of them. At about the same time, our neighborhood association sent an email regarding the dates for the 2024 Christmas outside light contest taking place this December. I deleted that. I’m really not ready to think about Christmas, except….
There is a part of Christmas I welcome in July and any other time of year, and these movies have been a good reminder for me to spend some prayerful time with it: the Hope of Christmas. The hope and spirit of Christmas should of course never fade, it is ongoing. The lights, nativity scenes, and sentiments on Christmas cards are wonderful elements that envelope us during the actual season. They help keep us focused on the promise of God with us. So, what do we do to keep that hopefulness and joy going after the decorations have been stored and the needles of the tree have been swept up?
The Christmas readings I hear most often (the readings from Mass at night) are rich with hope and joy. Just looking back at one short verse in each of the readings can rejuvenate us and renew our life in the light of Christ.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light,… (Isaiah 9:1)
The grace of God has appeared, saving all…. (Titus 2:11)
I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. (Luke 2:10)
So much hope within these! I’m used to saying or thinking or praying ‘Emmanual’ just during Advent and Christmas. But the light, grace, and joy mentioned in these readings, as well as in many others, are ours always—given to us by the gift of God with us. And God is indeed with us, in every season. There’s nothing wrong with being strengthened by hope and joy at Christmas time. That’s exactly what we celebrate. But let’s remember to embrace the hope and celebrate the light, grace, and joy of God throughout the entire year. I don’t plan on watching Christmas movies any time soon, but a little Christmas hope in July does sound good.
Journeying to Grace 