Praying for hope and love this Christmas

The event Christians celebrate today is foretold in Isaiah 7:14. “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

And the fulfillment of that prophesy, Christians believe, was the birth of Jesus of Nazareth in a manger in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago. The Gospel of Luke (2:1-20) describes the joyous event:

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. …

“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, … to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

“And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

“And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

“‘For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

“‘And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

“‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’ …

“And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

“And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. …

“And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.”

The humble circumstances of Jesus’ arrival, his birth to the virgin Mary and the angel’s announcement of his birth to shepherds all point to the good news of Christ’s birth, that he came in a miraculous way to provide hope to all, the poor and low-esteemed very much included.

The biblical account’s many verses beginning with “And” point to the fullness of God’s grace for believers who accept the loving message Jesus preached.

Matthew 2: 1-12 picks up with the visit of men from the East, a reminder for Christians that Jesus’ promise of redemption is for people of all the world, an important point in our often divisive times.

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

“Saying, ‘Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.’ … When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.”

The hope and love for all mankind celebrated at Christmas is a spirit of heart and soul the world needs, especially at this most challenging time. Let us dedicate ourselves to celebrating and embracing that message, even as many of us have to put aside some cherished holiday traditions to ensure the health and safety of ourselves and our loved ones.

May all of us take the hope and love of Christmas and carry it into what we all pray will be a much happier 2021.