Reflection for Tuesday, Dec. 28
The gospel today describes how Herod ordered the murder of all boys two and under in Bethlehem when the magi failed to return. There is no Christmas joy in this story. Now I know why this date was still available when I signed up.
Before 1992, Christmas to me was always a joyous occasion. A break from school or work, time to spend with family and friends. But in 1992 things changed. My son Stephen was born and then died on December 19 of that year, and now Christmas to me is always linked with that terrible loss – probably as it was for the families in Bethlehem who lost their sons on that first Christmas. I know the sadness I feel at Christmas is felt by many others who have lost their mom or dad, brother or sister, husband or wife. How can we be joyous when we are separated from those that we love? It makes Christmas tough.
This is where my faith comes in. Unlike the parents in Bethlehem for whom Easter was in the future, I know that God raised Jesus. And so, I have faith that I will one day be together with Stephen. I have faith that Stephen is with God, and that draws me closer to God. I look back with sadness, but I look ahead with hope.
Tim Curran