THE FAITHFUL: He takes away the sins of the world!
The next day, John saw Jesus coming to him, and he saith: Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who taketh away the sin of the world.
~ Scripture: John 1:29
HYANNIS – For billions of people across the globe, December 25th, known as “Christmas” or “Christmas Day,” is an annual festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s a major feast in the Christian liturgical year and is prepared for in many ways across different denominations. For example, many Western churches prepare during a pre-Christmas season called “Advent.” (The term Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming.”)
Christmas Day has also become a public secular holiday in many nations and is also celebrated by a large number of non-Christians.
Regardless of faith, believers or non-believers, Christmas day is to be a day of peace, joy, and celebration. Most commonly, it’s a time to hunker down with family and loved ones. However, for those spending the day by themselves, it’s anything but a time for despair, instead, it’s a time for reflection and peace. Either way, it’s a day to be optimistic that things will be alright.
On this side of the globe, in the Northern Hemisphere, Christmas day comes during the darkest time of the year in terms of daylight. It can be a depressing and hopeless time for some. So, a time for prayer, joy, or peaceful celebration makes sense. It’s also a time to give, and by giving we hopefully offer others hope. Giving also does one’s soul a world of good.
It, most importantly, is a time of hope. And on a basic level, Christmas arrives just after the Winter Solstice (December 21st), the shortest day and longest night of the year. But don’t worry, from this point forward the days gradually become longer and longer! We’ve made it!!! Things can only get better (at least in terms of daylight…).
So rock on!
Hyannis News wishes everyone, believers and non-believers, a peaceful and Merry Christmas celebration!
God bless,
12/24/2014 & 12/25/2014
Robert Bastille,
