I have read, heard, and seen many accounts of the journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem as a Catholic schoolboy. It had always been magical and exciting despite countless repetition. Then, as I grew up, Christmas started to lose its magic, and became nothing but another stressful occasion to spend on gifts, eat unhealthy food, and suffer traffic jams.
As the father of two little baby boys, however, I am rediscovering the feeling of hope, generosity, and anticipation that comes with the Christmas season for they will soon hear the Christmas story for the first time. Like Joachim in the Jostein Gaardner's Christmas Mystery, they too will begin counting the number of days before Christmas finally arrives. And like Elizabeth, I hope they gain an appreciation of the many meanings of this occasion.
True, for the Christian, it is, above all, about the birth of the savior. But it is also about hope for a better tomorrow, forgiveness of sins and starting anew, generosity of spirit through sharing and gift-giving, and appreciating the value of family and friendship. I hope everyone had a happy Christmas, and I wish for a great new year.
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