Peace and Good in Christ!

Advent was short this year. The recording of the orchestra in Nashville for my 50th album release made it seem even shorter for me. Christmas is upon us already.

I just read a good friend's teaching on the history of Christmas. It was very educational and helpful. In responding to his article, I mentioned that we make "too much and too little" out of Christmas: Too much of the secular and social aspect; Too little of the deep religious significance.

Though our minds may find it interesting to know historical details about Christmas-- such as the correct dates for Jesus' birth, the celebration of this feast by the Church, or traditions like gift giving-- such information may leave our hearts yearning for more. Why? Because, on the level of the heart, all that matters is entering deeply into this incredible paradox: God made human, the Word made flesh, Infinity taking on the finite, and the Omnipotent being born as a vulnerable babe in a poor shepherd's cave. That is the heart of the story of the birth of Jesus, and our own hearts recognize this.

On a personal level, I have wonderful childhood memories of Christmas. I remember the Christmas tree lights burning brightly when all the other lights in the house were dimmed, the beautiful music playing when all other sounds were quiet, the reading of the Christmas story on Christmas Eve when all other words were silent, and sitting quietly before the tree and the manger when all else was still. I also remember going to church with great solemnity and joy to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child. These memories are imprinted deeply upon my soul, and they evoke in me a universal paradox that is silent within every human soul-- silent until such traditions break through to it, and bring it forth into our life.

Ever since then, Christmas brings up both joy and melancholy in me. I am often moved to tears when I ponder this awesome reality, and its potential to bring such goodness into our personal lives and into our world. Yet I am also saddened by how easily we can get sidetracked from this overwhelming reality, and how short we often fall from this simple ideal of goodness and love for all. Ever since I was a child, at each Christmas season I find myself pondering: How wonderful is the love of God through the birth of Jesus! Yet why is it we can't get it right so much of the time? Melancholy joy is the only way I can describe the feelings I have as I try to grasp the contradictions much too big for human understanding.

I also remember the joy of giving gifts on Christmas morning. In our family we unwrapped our gifts one by one so that we could all appreciate and see each person's response to each gift. It was a blessing to see the others respond very lovingly and kindly, even when the giver had missed the mark in what the receiver actually wanted. We were poor, so every gift was a sacrifice of love from the money that Mom and Dad gave us to buy the gifts. Every gift was precious.

These memories caused me to reflect on the beauty of my family. We were a typical American family, with many of the same problems faced by others. But this sharing of gifts made me appreciate my parents, brother, and sister, and make me most grateful now for having had the stable environment so lacking in most families today. Mom and Dad were far from perfect, but they repeatedly sacrificed themselves for the sake of the family. Back then, it seemed to be just the way things were done, but now I know that I benefited greatly from it.

As for today's issues, we face yet another Christmas in a time of war, praying for "peace on earth to all of good will." May we enter deeply into the paradox that is written in all human hearts and found in most world religions. Let us pray especially for peace between Christians, Moslems and Jews. For Christians, that paradox is written and expressed in the most profound way through the story of the birth of Jesus Christ.

This year, set aside the time to enter deeply into this mystery that is Christmas. Attend church and public celebrations and make time to be with your family, but spend private devotional time in contemplation of the sheer wonder of the reality Christmas symbolizes: The Mystery of the birth of Jesus Christ into our often troubled and lonely world. He is the fulfillment of all humanity's hopes and dreams. He is the answer to all our personal questions, large and small. He is the solution to the troubles of the entire world. Take time to listen, to fully experience His good news in your life. For then together we can be peace on earth even in a time of war. We can bring stability to our families, so often torn by separation and divorce. And we will find peace in our own human hearts so often troubled about many things. This is my prayer for you this Christmas. This is my blessing.

In Jesus,
John Michael Talbot
Founder, Spiritual Father and General Minister
The Brothers and Sisters of Charity at Little Portion Hermitage