Good News of Great Joy

There is so much hate in the world today.  Liberal-minded people will remind all of us, for example, of the hate that is widespread among white supremacist groups and their supporters for those of other races and creeds.  And certainly they have a point.  What I have noticed lately, though, is that this hate extends from those who have a particular political affiliation to those who have an opposite affiliation.  Democrats in this country viciously verbally attack Republicans over the issues of the day and vice-versa. 

I’ve noticed, for example, that when a congressman or senator posts some remarks on Facebook about something he/she feels is a positive development regarding a particular issue, he/she is immediately verbally attacked, often for what is perceived to be his/her stance on a completely unrelated issue, eliciting often hundreds of similar responses from others.  The language used is one of hate, sometimes obscene, sometimes not, but usually malicious and cruel.  Hate is an awful quality to be entangling one’s mind and worldview.  I am disgusted that people can’t be more civil when discussing political viewpoints.  And the media contributes to it, letting their political biases take control of their reporting to the extent that an unsuspecting public takes such a story and runs with it as if represents the truth, which it often does not.

It is time for a reprieve.  It is Christmas.  Now I know that Christian belief is one of these contentious issues at times and is often dismissed straightaway by nonbelievers.  However, permit me to use a passage from Sacred Scripture here to make a point.  Here it is from the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 2.

“Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping night watch over their flock.  The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear.  The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is the Messiah and Lord.  And this will be a sign for you:  You will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’  And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:  ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’  When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’  So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger.” 

“Do not be afraid … good news of great joy … a savior has been born … peace to those on whom his favor rests.”  These are words of joy, peace, love, understanding, and not hate.  Please take them to heart, regardless of your religious persuasion, and begin to promote qualities of respect, admiration, and reverence.  This is my prayer for you today. 

The photograph accompanying this post is of the almost life-size manger scene in my back yard.  I see it illuminated every night and early every morning as I look out my back window.  Peace and joy to all my readers this Christmas.