Because of Him

The one who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” (Rev. 21:5)

When I drive in to work, I have to cross over a hill to get to the freeway. As I crested the hill this morning, I was greeted with the sight of the local mountains covered in snow. Even the foothills had a light dusting. The sky, which was grey and rainy all day yesterday, has given way to clear blue and sunshine. The air is cold and crisp – the kind of day you see on a picture postcard.

Such a beautiful scene can’t help but feel like a new beginning. Reflecting on the meaning of Christmas causes one to think about new beginnings too. And isn’t that precisely why Christ was born – to give us a new beginning?

2008 has been a unique year, I think. So many events have happened that will impact our lives for years, and even decades to come. For many people, it’s been a very difficult year. But something amazing has come out of it all. People can be heard talking about how grateful they are for what they have, even if things are tight. They say things like “Yes, things are tough now, but there are a lot of folks out there in much worse circumstances.”

In his audience in Rome yesterday, Pope Benedict made a comment that one positive coming out of the economic crisis is that it can help people to rediscover "the warmth, simplicity, friendship and solidarity" contained in authentic Christmas values. I think he's absolutely right and believe with all my heart that this is a case of burdens being turned into blessings, and an opportunity to understand more clearly who we are by understanding who we are not. We are not our own beginning or end, though some scientists would like us to think otherwise.

It’s hard to understand sometimes why we as a society are so fixated on controlling our own destiny. The Bible tells us in no uncertain terms that admitting our limitations is nothing to be ashamed of because He has been victorious, and He has claimed us as His own. Do not be afraid. I am the first and the last, the One who lives. Once I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever. I hold the keys to death and the netherworld (Rev. 1:17-18).

So as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, and as we begin a new year, let us rejoice, secure in the knowledge of Whose we are. Jesus said, I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand (Jn. 10:28-29). Hallelujah!

Prayer Request: For all those seeking a new beginning

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for this year of life that You have given us, with all its burdens and blessings. As we celebrate the birth of Your Son, grant us the grace to learn to love simplicity, and to root ourselves deeply in the love of the child born in a manger. We make this prayer through Christ, our Lord. Amen.