At the lighting of the National Christmas Tree on December 5. 2019, President Trump said, “More than 2,000 years ago, a brilliant star shone in the East. Wise men traveled far, far afield. I mean, they were a long distance away. And they came and they stood with us under the star, where they found the Holy Family in Bethlehem. As the Bible tells us, when the Wise Men ‘had come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and fell down and worshipped him.’ Christians give thanks that the Son of God came into the world to save humanity. Jesus Christ inspires us to love one another with hearts full of generosity and grace.” – White House
The president’s remarks remind us of what really matters. In the middle of rancor and division (caused mainly by those who want to get rid of the president at all costs), we are made aware of who and what is important. Normally, I write about political issues in this space. Today, though, is a little different. I wanted to share with you my prayer for you for Christmas.
I pray that each of you might know love; the love God has for you and the love of your family and friends. May you have the peace of the one called the “Prince of Peace,” Jesus Christ, in your lives and hearts. (Isaiah 9:6) In the middle of all the rancor and bitterness that fills our national scene, may you experience joy.
As I was reading for this column, I ran across comments President Ronald Reagan made near Christmas, 1983. He said: Christmas is also a time to remember the treasures of our own history. We remember one Christmas in particular, 1776, our first year as a nation. The Revolutionary War had been going badly. But George Washington’s faith, courage, and leadership would turn the tide of history our way. On Christmas night he led a band of ragged soldiers across the Delaware River through driving snow to a victory that saved the cause of independence. It’s said that their route of march was stained by bloody footprints, but their spirit never faltered, and their will could not be crushed.
The image of George Washington kneeling in prayer in the snow is one of the most famous in American history. He personified a people who knew it was not enough to depend on their own courage and goodness; they must also seek help from God, their Father and Preserve.
May each of us, also, seek help from God as we enter this new year. As we celebrate the birth of his son, Jesus, may we turn to him for our strength and perseverance.
Have a merry and blessed Christmas.
