Yesterday, during the 6 o’clock news, we were forewarned about the possible weather for Christmas. At this stage, however, they have worked it out: We are in for rain or heavily overcast weather. Still, I am sure we will do our best to make the most of it.
But I cannot help but think of the people in Mayotte. The news from that way looks terrible. It looks like the number of dead may be in the thousands. This is hard to believe on such a small island. The cyclone was certainly devastating. It appears that some villages were completely wiped out. It will not be a happy Christmas for these people as they work their way through the rubble and try to recover as much as they can.
Then, as the news plays on, I hear the latest from Syria. What those people have endured through the years of the brutal dictatorship of Assad is hard to believe. And now they still wonder about their future as different groups vie for power in this political vacuum. I understand that the very small community of Christians will be able to publicly celebrate Christmas after a long time.
I could go on to talk about other places around the world, like Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar, and more. There doesn’t appear to be too much to celebrate.
But, wait a minute, for a young couple arriving in the small town of Bethlehem two thousand years ago, there wasn’t too much to celebrate either. The town was crowded, and there was no room left in the inn. Life under a brutal king, supported by his Roman overlords, made for a highly perilous situation. This was not the time or place to be wandering around at night looking for a place where the young woman could give birth to a child. They eventually found a place where the farm animals found shelter.
And in that time and place, fraught with danger, the birth of a child brought joy to a young couple. Admittedly, the mother, Mary, pondered what the future would bring. Yet, in this dark night among the creatures of the land, a child was born. That birth has given rise to songs of praise that have rung down through the ages. This birth made a difference for all of us.
Let us pray for the children born at this time in Mayotte and, Syria and many other places around our world. Let us pray for their parents as they struggle to believe that there is a future for their children. Let us pray for hope and peace in our world.
And, despite the weather and while we cope with the sad news about our world, may we still be grateful for the support and love of family and friends as we celebrate the birth of Jesus and remember the joy of Mary and Joseph.
Let us not give up hope. Let us continue to sing on “this holy night” and acclaim “joy to the world, the saviour comes.”
May you enjoy a wonderful and joy-filled Christmas.
Fr Tom Rouse - Regional Councillor of Oceania, lives and works in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
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