Weary World Rejoices: Christmas Reflection

It’s December 25th, 2023. It has been a year for the books on all account for many. Yet, we are surrounded by a world in chaos from inflation, honoring those engaged in perversion, conflicts throughout the worlds, and even misguided electing wolves or death to triumph the ongoing struggle to protect the most vulnerable.

Then, amid the world’s problems, a verse from a beloved Christmas carol reminds us of what the holiday which is often attacked in the name of political correctness is truly about.

In the book of Genesis, God created Adam to be the keeper of the newly created garden, Eden. He was given everything he needed, including his helper, Eve. However, the man and woman decided to disobey God’s commandment to not eat from the tree of knowledge in the middle of the garden. Thus, there started their life of misery.

But God whose all loving and good didn’t let go of them. Instead, he promised a savior to redeem them and their children from the sin that they have started.

Centuries later, Isaiah prophesized: “the young woman, pregnant and about to bear a son, shall name him Emmanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). This child whom the virgin brings forth is to be “pierced for our sins, crushed for our iniquity. He bore the punishment that makes us whole, by his wounds we were healed” (Isaiah 53:5).

In O Holy Night, Placide Chappeau wrote a striking part in its first verse, “Long lay the world in sin and error pining 'Til He appeared, and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn'

Hence, Christ was the light that broke through a world engulfed by darkness. He would come into the world to defeat Satan’s grasp.

Today, our world is weary of the uncertainty that was brought forth by Satan’s influence and power. Yet, Christ breaks the dark spell to illuminate a dark world through the example of faithful Catholics.

As we celebrate, let us share the light of Christ on this glorious morn.

Merry Christmas