Please note: The reflections and opinions expressed in this piece are those of the author and are shared in the spirit of personal faith and contemplation. They do not necessarily reflect the official views of the Diocese of Palmerston North.
December 25 is creeping up. With the year ending just six days later, our rush to get organized can easily steer us away from the true meaning of Christmas.
Unlike other calendar events, Christmas is deeply tied to both joyful and painful realities. It often marks “firsts”: the first Christmas after losing a loved one — I recall mine without my father, who died seven weeks earlier. Seeing his empty chair at the dining table was raw.
Then there are childhood memories: midnight Mass, gazing at the nativity scene in St Mary’s Church, and driving home in the dead of night, competing with my five siblings to spot Father Christmas’s sleigh. Later came the joy of celebrating our babies’ first Christmas — and now our grandchildren’s.
You’ll have your own firsts. Don’t minimise this mix of emotions, because Christmas is about life — all of it. From times that fell apart to wonderfully joy-filled occasions, everything belongs in the story.
In Matthew 1:22–23, Isaiah’s prophecy is quoted: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.” Matthew ends his Gospel with Jesus’ own words: “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Sounds too good to be true? Not at all. God is not a distant observer but a personal presence with us 24/7 — like a friend who says, “I’ll go with you to hear the test results,” or someone helping a mum with restless children at the checkout. Being with is the key.
Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah, came as a newborn wrapped in swaddling clothes — yet would die nailed to a cross on Good Friday and rise again to open the door to eternal life. That’s what we celebrate at Christmas.
Joy is also central. In Luke 2:10, the angels tell the terrified shepherds: “Do not be afraid. I bring you news of great joy for all people.” Joy, from the Greek Chara, means inner gladness, not mere cheerfulness. Closely linked to Charis (grace), it shows God leaning toward us with affection and kindness. Jesus truly has our back.
Yes, our world is full of conflict and injustice. Peace can feel impossible. But because Jesus was born in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago, we need not fear or be crushed by darkness. Joy and hope cannot be erased.
This is what Christmas is all about.