“Everything I do turns into a disaster. I guess I really don’t know what Christmas is all about. Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” (Charlie Brown).
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 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.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, Good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. (Luke 2:1–18, KJV).
“That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.” (Linus Van Pelt).
My Musings – “[But] in despair I [bow] my head; There is no peace on earth, I said; For hate is strong, and mocks the song of peace on earth, goodwill to men!” (“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow). Sounds a lot like today. Do you feel like life is a disaster? Are you wondering if “those things which were told [us] by the shepherds” could possibly be true in a world where “hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, goodwill to men?” Do not bow your head in despair. “For despair is only for those who see [a bad] end beyond all doubt. We do not.” (“The Fellowship of the Ring,” J.R.R. Tolkien).
My Advice – Longfellow did not end his poem with despair. “Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; The wrong shall fail, the Right prevail, with peace on earth, goodwill to men.” For those of us who after wondering about the things that were told by the shepherds, and after pondering believed, this is the end we see “beyond all doubt.”
But what about you? It’s okay for wonder about such things. For “not all those who [wonder] are lost.” (“The Fellowship of the Ring,” J.R.R. Tolkien). Only those who wonder, dismiss, and despair. This does not have to be you. “From [despair] a fire [can] be woken, a light from the shadows [may] spring; renewed shall be [the life] that was broken, [to those who confess Jesus as] King.” (adapted from “The Fellowship of the Ring,” J.R.R. Tolkien).
The King is returning. Let Him return for you.
“That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.” (Linus Van Pelt).
The Brew Is A Musing 