Reflection for December 29
The Christmas trees are on their way to an afterlife as compost and dirt; the lights and ornaments are packed up; Father David has placed his conductor's baton back in its box, and it seems like Christmas is almost over. Many of us struggle with this holiday's end because it seems like all the hope and joy that arrived with Jesus is packed away as well.
In today's gospel, however, Luke tells a different story. He sets the scene as Mary, Joseph, and Jesus arrive at the Temple where Jesus is to be presented to the Lord and where Mary, 40 days removed from the birth of her little boy, is to be cleansed, through the sacrifice of two birds.
Along comes an old man, Simeon, who longs for a peaceful end to his life. He recognizes Christ, takes him into his arms, and completes his own life's journey with a blessing.
Putting aside the obvious metaphorical -- out with the old, in with the new -- context, what is striking is the positivity and peace that accompanies the simple act of holding a baby. By their arrival, children reassure us that our bloodlines and our legacies will live on. But more than that, they bring the hope of a new day, and a reminder that Christmas is far from "over."
We can pack away the lights, ornaments, and even the conductor's baton, but let's not even try to pack away the love, light, and hope that accompany the birth of each new baby. Christmas never needs to end,
as long as we continue to love and hope and let our light shine.
Dave Kenna