The night before Christmas is the point at which so many emotions gather. Sometimes they meld easily like candle wax, dripping as one, and sometimes they are less compatible, but, for me, the one emotion that holds us all this night is hope.
Our family embraces the season of Advent during the four weeks prior to Christmas. We prepare our hearts for the birth of baby Jesus. We put our faith in hope.
Each week as we light a new candle on our Advent wreath, our anticipation increases as we inch forward toward Christmas Day. Around the dinner table, we read one of the books in the series by Arnold Ytreeide as they follow the nativity story through the differing perspectives of four children who end up with a front-row seat to the infant Jesus. This year, we read _Tabitha’s Travels_. It is full of hope.
Tonight is the night where Heaven and Earth collide.
St. Nicholas, more commonly known as Santa Claus, has been visible these past four weeks (or more) around every corner. As children whisper their dreams with anticipation, their wide-eyed excitement propels us as we navigate these dark winter days with: hope.
As my family drove around looking at Christmas lights last night, I stood outside our town’s empty Santa Hut, peering through a front window. Santa had closed the door on this season just an hour before, but the tree lights still were on, shining brightly.
A thought occurred to be me as I stood there for a moment.
Santa brings weeks of excitement – of waiting, of wondering, of hope.
But today, as Santa heads to the North Pole as millions await the joy of Christmas Day, Santa all but vanishes until next year. However, there is one gift under our tree that never vanishes.
Baby Jesus + Hope
My children have taken turns putting Jesus in our stable each year on Christmas Eve after Mass. It is a tradition I look forward to as I see their joy fulfilled after four weeks of waiting. It is a moment they wait for after they place the donkeys, the shepherds, the angles, and Mary and Joseph there the day after Thanksgiving. It is the moment where anticipatory hope ends and eternal hope begins.
It is a long wait, but the star above the nativity and the candles in our Advent wreath guide them on this journey. And just like the star that shines a light in the empty Santa Hut … we are guided by that Light.
For my family, it means that Christ’s light shines all year long – not just at Christmastime. And light will always outshine the darkness. Even when are struggling, and feeling like life can be overwhelming … His Light will outshine the darkness. Even when we feel the effects of a lasting pandemic and challenging times … His Light will outshine the darkness.
How many times this year have I had to lean into His Light – desperately searching for it when I’ve felt alone, overwhelmed, struggling with anxiety and fear? I can’t count the times I’ve cried, surrendering it all to God. Each time, he has picked me up. He has placed people in my life who have walked beside me and who have pulled me up. He has turned my fears to abundant joy.
As you embark on your traditions over the next few days, smile, bring joy, and remember that there is always light and there is always hope.
