(no subject)

[rillifane]

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling
clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in
the inn.

The gospel according to Luke

So what is this holiday all about? Certainly Christians were not the first to find a reason to celebrate in the darkest days of the year. It seems to me it is about finding hope that the future will be better, that a miracle has happened, that some greater power remembers us, protects us, and will see us through.

So turn your thoughts for a moment from merry making and realize that today, and indeed, every day, in ghettos, in barrios, in places torn by war, in the midst of hunger, or oppression, or any of the terrible torments that humankind suffers, a mother takes her newborn child, wraps him tenderly in whatever rags she
can provide, and hopes. That is the miracle, that is what is truly holy.

You and I and all of us should honor that miracle by rededicating ourselves to the cause of peace on Earth and goodwill to all men.