Christmas: A Season of Hope

by Rev Robert A Wendel

If we walk in the light as He himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you. (I John 1:7, Ephesians 1:18).

Every single year the season of Christmas comes slowly upon us. One of the joys of the season is to see holiday displays of many types. Before my 10th birthday I remember making the one hour trip to Pittsburgh to see store window displays and the large city Christmas tree. Much, much later, I enjoyed witnessing seasonal activities in Bethlehem, Pa. and, of course, there were the Christmas Eve services in the churches I pastored. All of these experiencers involved lights. An undercurrent of hope stretched throughout December.

One Christmas tradition has been decorating the family Christmas tree. This custom began in England during the reign of Queen Victoria. One Christmas tree that I easily remember was the aluminum Christmas tree lit by a floor lamp during my teenage years. Another tree was the sanctuary tree formed by poinsettias in the church in Beckley. One drawback was coaxing families to retrieve their poinsettia when the season was over. These customs and traditions form a chain of memory in any Christian’s life.

During the season we celebrate how Almighty God allowed His Son to become a vulnerable child. May the Lord help us to see Him without distraction. “Open our eyes, so that we may behold wondrous things!” (Psalm 119:18).

“God of Hope, help me to be sensitive to those who mourn during the holy, holiday season. Let me speak a word or do a deed or share a tear that point to joy found in you. (Penney Schwab)