The Night Before Christmas

The Night Before Christmas
December 24, 2023    Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
by Dcn. Bob Bonomi

Twas the night before Christmas, and all across our nation,
    There was a sense of joy, of anticipation.
And yet, in other places this year,
    The celebration of Christmas was cancelled in fear.
For many this year there’s no joy, no peace.
    Only hope that the violence, the hate, would cease.

I have to admit that, when I read the headline that Christmas was cancelled in Bethlehem, I was crushed.  After all, all of the Christmas references to Bethlehem have always made me think of it as a peaceful place, as we hear in the song, “O little town of Bethlehem / How still we see thee lie / Above thy deep and dreamless sleep / The silent stars go by”

But in researching the history of the town, I realize that throughout its existence the “City of Bread” has been rocked with conflict.  So, as we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth, it is appropriate that we take a moment to reflect on why the coming of Jesus is just as important to us today as it was 2000 years ago.

Think about this.  At the time of Jesus’ birth, the world was not really at “peace”; rather, there was just a sort of lull in the action – a sort of truce.  Judea was under Roman occupation; Mary and Joseph were required to report to the equivalent of immigration officials to be “registered” by the Romans and had to leave home just as Mary was due to give birth.  They had no place to stay, so they had to take refuge in a cave.

As for Jesus, well, Herod wanted him DEAD and had all children 2 and under killed.

But that doesn’t mean that this shouldn’t be a time of JOY.  Despite the world’s best efforts, Christmas itself has not been cancelled, even if some of the glitter and festivities are subdued.  And God has not left us alone. There will still be Christmas Masses in the Holy Land.

As for us, every year we are encouraged to remember the true meaning of Christmas, and this year is no different.  Only this year, we can be tangible witnesses to that reality in the world today.  The news of the birth of Jesus is GOOD NEWS, and despite what our personal circumstances or those of the world at large may be, we are called to have JOY, remembering what JOY stands for – Jesus, Others, and You.

One final thought.  At his weekly audience last Wednesday, Pope Francis reminded those present that:

"Having fun is not a bad thing if it is done in the right way, it's something human," he said, "but joy is even more profound, more human… " and, said that those who witnessed the first Nativity scene by St. Francis, “returned home with an ineffable joy." Such joy, the pope said, did not come from bringing home gifts or attending lavish parties, "no, it was the joy that overflows from the heart when one touches the closeness of Jesus, the tenderness of God who does not leave one alone but consoles them."

He ended by asking people not to forget those who suffer because of war, particularly those in Palestine, Israel and Ukraine.

"Let us think of the children in war, the things they see; let us go to the Nativity scene and ask Jesus for peace," the pope said. "He is the Prince of Peace."

May your Christmas be one of peace and joy.