Today billions of people around the world will celebrate Christmas, commemorating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, known to Christians as the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Rich with more than two millenia of cultural customs and religious practices, the day will be marked in all corners of the world, in many different ways, but with common elements of prayer, song, family gatherings, festive meals, charitable acts, and exchange of gifts.
![The National Christmas Tree, behind the White House. Click through for image source. The National Christmas Tree, behind the White House. Click through for image source.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130307105719im_/http://photos.state.gov/libraries/newzealand/8558/oct_dec2011/christmas.jpg)
The National Christmas Tree, behind the White House.
Some of my most vivid memories of childhood are from Christmas. Candlelight services at Christ Lutheran Church … the powerful poetry of the Gospel readings … joyous hymns, particularly my favorite, Adeste Fidelis ... carolling through town in a brass quartet with my friends … the big town Christmas tree …
… the early years when Santa Claus arrived with tree and gifts as my brother and I slept … the later years when we forayed into the forest to cut the tree ourselves … watching classic holiday movies such as Miracle on 34th Street and It’s a Wonderful Life with family … my Dad’s vast model train yard, which only appeared at Christmas … secular gems such as How the Grinch Stole Christmas … and much more.
![Mahanoy City. Click through for image source. Mahanoy City. Click through for image source.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130307105719im_/http://photos.state.gov/libraries/newzealand/8558/oct_dec2011/snow.jpg)
The municipal Christmas tree back home in Mahanoy City.
Like children we are sometimes distracted by the bright lights and the frenzy of crowded shopping malls. But that’s not what Christmas is about. Rather, the season is about hope, peace, and salvation, manifested in the most unlikely way … in the birth of a baby to parents of humble means, in a manger in a stable, because there was no room at the inn. As recounted in the Gospel according to St Luke:
“It came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. All went to be taxed, every one into his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, 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.
“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.
![Traditional manger display at the National Christmas Tree. Click through for image source. Traditional manger display at the National Christmas Tree. Click through for image source.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130307105719im_/http://photos.state.gov/libraries/newzealand/8558/oct_dec2011/man.jpg)
A traditional Nativity display at the National Christmas Tree.
“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. 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.’”
![Rockefeller Center. Click through for image source. Rockefeller Center. Click through for image source.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130307105719im_/http://photos.state.gov/libraries/newzealand/8558/oct_dec2011/tree.jpg)
Glittering angels and the iconic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center in New York.
To all of our friends celebrating today, Dr McWaine and I wish you a very Merry Christmas. And to those around the world who must celebrate quietly behind closed doors because of fear of government reprisals, we wish you strength, courage, and glad tidings.
Δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις θεῷ καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς εἰρήνη ἐν ἀνθρώποις εὐδοκίας.
![DH Sig](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130307105719im_/http://blogs.newzealand.usembassy.gov/ambassador/images/signature_posts.png)