Christmas--- for many individuals, this word evokes feelings of exhaustion, worry, and dread. The holiday season can be filled with endless activities, such as preparing food for gatherings, attending pageants and concerts, and wrapping up end-of-the-year responsibilities. On top of these tasks, many anguish over choosing the perfect Christmas gifts, or become troubled over the fact that they do not have the adequate means to buy such gifts. And while Christmastime is often an occasion to gather with loved ones, it can also be a time of remembering those whom we’ve lost or those with whom we are now estranged. Christmas is by no means a word that conjures celebration for everyone.

Even as one who does look forward to the jubilation that Christmas brings, I admit to becoming weighed down by some of life’s realities, which the season seems to highlight. In the past week, I’ve found myself fretting over un-bought trinkets, scurrying to finish work deadlines, and sitting with friends who have experienced loss and grief. Amongst these events, it would be easy to forget that a celebration is unfolding. For this reason, I am grateful that I recently had a chance to step inside a church, away from the hustle and bustle, in order to participate in a service of lessons and carols. There, in a quiet, contemplative space, I was reminded of the object of my faith and the good news of the season. The service opened with the beautiful, angelic sounds of the choir:

“Come, thou Redeemer of the earth, and manifest thy virgin birth; let every age adoring fall; such birth befits the God of all. Begotten of no human will, but of the Spirit, thou art still the Word of God in flesh arrayed, the promised fruit to man displayed.”

As the singing continued and various Scriptures were read, I was struck by words, which reminded me of the dwelling of God among men, the word made flesh, the coming of the savior of humankind. This baby, born of Mary, is Christ the King. Through him, our dismay was assuaged and we were given comfort and joy. Amidst the upheaval that the holidays can sometimes bring, this seems like good news, and it is! For by Christ’s coming, we have been freed from sin, brought out of darkness, and given life and light. And because of his death and resurrection, we have the hope of a life to come, where there will be no more mourning, tears, or death. We may continue to experience the anxieties and sufferings of this life, even at Christmastime. But we have reason to celebrate Christ’s coming, because from generation to generation, he knows our need, and our weakness is no stranger. Therefore, at Christmastime, we proclaim that a baby, born in a stable is Christ the King. Come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!