Growing up in rural Louisiana, I always found the Christmas season to be a joyous time of the year. A time when we forget about the weight of our problems. It is a time of hope, peace, joy and love. The birth of Jesus was special: The savior of the world was born not in an inn or home but in a stable in Bethlehem. His birth was one of profound humility.
The Magi, three wise men from the East, followed a star to find Jesus. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to symbolize his kingship, divinity and mortality. This began the tradition of gift giving.
Christmas is filled with the joy and laughter of families and friends coming together. There is the beauty of Christmas trees and holiday decorations. The holiday lights to me represent Christ as the light of the world.
Many department stores such as the old Marshall Field’s, now Macy’s, have windows decorated. Everyone seems to be in a good mood at Christmas, especially children who eagerly await the arrival of Santa. The music of Christmas is uplifting, hopeful and soulful. I think about songs such as “Joy to the World,” “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “Silent Night,” “The First Noel” and Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You.” No matter what you are going through, hearing the songs of Christmas eases the pain. These songs trigger happy memories, reduce stress and foster a sense of togetherness.
In the fourth century, Pope Julius I selected Dec. 25 as the official date when Christians would celebrate the birth of Jesus. By 432, Christmas had spread to Egypt, and by the Middle Ages, Christmas spread around the globe. The celebration of Christmas became a federal holiday in the United States on June 26, 1870.
The birth of Jesus Christ is symbolic of love and light for fallen humanity trapped in darkness. During this season, all across the world, the themes of hope, unity and love permeate. Love can transform hate and bring about peace.
The Bible declares in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” To Christians, Jesus is love made flesh, the son of God who embraced human suffering rather than remain distant from it. John 14:23 states: “Jesus saith, if a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” That is enough to make me shout hallelujah.
Love, like light, must be visible. In times such as these, love in action is feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, taking in the stranger, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and seeing those in prison. God’s love never fails.
I remember doctors telling me when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer that I would not make it. I told them yes, I will — because I know the real doctor, and his name is Jesus. Christ does not ask us to look away from such pain. He asks us to look directly at it — and still dare to trust in the light of the world. The good news is that God is still performing miracles today. We must exhibit faith even when the clouds are the darkest.
The celebration of Christmas is a universal message of hope and salvation for humanity. The attempts to make right wrong, and wrong right, must always be met with the equal force of love. As William Cullen Bryant noted, “Truth crushed to earth, shall rise again.” Eighteenth century philosopher Edmund Burke said: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
The following are some suggestions to consider during this Christmas season:
- Express kindness and love toward someone during this season.
- Do more listening than talking.
- Parents, consider taking your children to church and say a prayer for healing and renewal.
- Pray for our leaders and loved ones.
- Get involved in your community and let your light shine.
- Help a senior citizen and say thank you to a police officer.
- Commit to reading the Bible at least once a day.
In this season, we commit ourselves anew to hope, peace, joy and love, until every shadow is met by God’s light. Although there are different faiths in the world, we all share a common theme of hope for a brighter future.
As we celebrate the birth of the light of the world — Jesus Christ — I am hopeful that we will spread love throughout the world. As the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. noted: “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.” Merry Christmas and jingle bells all the way.
I write this commentary to make those comfortable with promoting darkness over the light uncomfortable.
Willie Wilson is a business owner, philanthropist and former mayoral candidate.
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