Christmas: the figurines in the manger scene, the delight on the faces of children, the lights sparkling on the Christmas tree, the brightly wrapped gifts, a delicious family dinner … and suddenly upon this peaceful, picturesque scene disaster descends. Disputes begin and conflict takes over everything.
So much pressure, so many silenced differences of opinion, frustrated expectations, tiredness, and sometimes one cocktail too many: Frequently, the most beautiful family gatherings become true nightmares.
But this Christmas, you can be a peacemaker among your family. When it seems that discord is about to take over the atmosphere, harmonize the situation with unity. When offenses occur, remedy them with forgiveness. When anger surfaces, respond with love.
To accomplish this feat, give yourself this challenge: From the first light of Christmas morning till everyone is tucked in bed, commit yourself to living St. Paul’s marvelous hymn of charity:
Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful;it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Read each line again. Copy them on a piece of paper and slip them in your purse or pocket. Take them out whenever you need a reminder.
And if you accomplish this challenge on Christmas Day, why not try it for another day … and then another?
Why not take advantage of the grace of Christmas to become, simply, an authentic Christian?
And today we celebrate...