The Work of Christmas

When we think of Christmas, the word “work” is not usually what comes to mind, unless our job calls us to service. In the church, there are decorations to organize and liturgical services to prepare. Maybe when we think of work + Christmas the time of preparation during Advent comes to mind: shopping, planning and getting ready.

The Challenge of Christmas

We spend weeks sometimes months preparing for one single day. For some, however, Christmas is work. For the lonely, the sick or those who are depressed, trying to find the holiday spirit can be a real challenge. Christmas can be an emotional time for many people. It will last 24 hours and then be gone. The work will be over. But will it be over? Is it ever over?

LifeThrough God

The Gospel for Christmas Day is taken from John. He writes of the beginning and the Word which came to life through God. It was a light to shine in the darkness. “The true light which enlightens everyone” (John 1: 9). What happens to this light once Christmas is over?

A Christmas Message

I am inspired by a poem written by philosopher and theologian Howard Thurman. He reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas in his poem, The Work of Christmas: "When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone, when the kings and the princes are home, when the shepherds are back with their flock, the work of Christmas begins: to find the lost, to heal the broken, to feed the hungry, to release the prisoner, to rebuild the nations, to bring peace among brothers, to make music in the heart." May the Word become flesh in each of us. Let us take it into the darkness and lighten up the world