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“Hope does not disappoint!” (Rom 5:5)
As we prepare to close this Jubilee Year of 2025, whose theme is “Pilgrims of Hope,” we could easily become cynical. Our hope for peace on earth is dashed when we think of the wars and civil unrest in Ukraine, Myanmar and even in the Holy Land — where, 2,025 years ago, no less than angels announced, “Peace on earth!”
Our hope for civil discourse and collaboration is challenged after partisan bickering led to the longest federal government shutdown in history. Our hope for goodwill among all is tempted toward despair when we witness more and more random violence against innocent people. Our hope for Emmanuel, God-with-us, is tried when we consider so many of our neighbors who could not care less about God — or worse, hold God in contempt.
But to be cynical is to have strayed from the Way, from the Pilgrim Path, whose presence with us allows us to continue the journey, even when we are fatigued and cannot see its end.
There is something about holding a baby that gives us hope. A baby’s presence can break down barriers that we normally erect between ourselves, since a baby causes us to laugh and talk, even to strangers. How many times have we spoken to people we would not have otherwise approached, simply because they were holding a baby?
God made us this way, because he knows that babies break down barriers — even barriers to hope. And so he sent his Only-begotten Son as an innocent baby, whose birth we celebrate during this holy season.
His birth caused shepherds and wisemen to befriend a carpenter and his wife. His birth caused angels to leave their heavenly bliss to pour out that bliss on a wintry world. His humble birth brought joy to ox and ass, to sheep and goat, to lion and lamb.
To hold this Baby of Bethlehem in our own arms is to break down barriers that could easily lead us to cynicism. Of all beautiful babies who silently give us hope, this beautiful Divine Child rekindles and fans into flames the love that is the object of all our hope.
We who are privileged to be the disciples of the Lord Jesus not only hold this holy Child in our arms, but we take him into ourselves every time we receive him in the Eucharist.
We receive him into the rough and smelly mangers of our hearts, where he is so delighted to rest. We receive him into a world where so many are jealous for their own power and are willing to kill anyone who threatens it.
Yet we embrace him still as a refugee from rage, so that by eating the flesh and drinking the blood of this Baby lying in a manger, we can be transformed from beastly beings into angelic apostles of his love.
Christmas affords us all the opportunity to embrace this most Holy Child, so that his very presence can break down barriers of indifference, hatred, war and fatigue. Yes, the Jubilee Year is coming to a close, but our pilgrimage of hope continues, because this tiny Babe, the Son of God and Son of Mary, opens our hearts to a hope that cannot disappoint.
Christmas blessings to all!
