Joy is the true gift of Christmas, not the expensive gifts that call for time and money.... Let us pray that this presence of the liberating joy of God shines forth in our lives.
-- Pope Benedict XVI
On a day like Christmas, it is as if God were smiling as he says, "I've got this!"
We may reply, "then why don't you stop all the bad stuff going on?" And God leans forward and asks, "Can you repeat that?"...not condescendingly, but with utmost gentleness and strength. "Why don't you all stop the bad stuff from happening?"
With a twinkle in his eye, and knowing now that he has our full attention, God might then say something like , "...because you have to learn to stop hurting each other and my world; you have to."
He goes on, "But, just so you know, I AM helping you. I'm redeeming what you're doing, in spite of how you treat each other. I'm healing anyone who wants to be healed. I'm doing way more than you know.
On a day like Christmas, I'm coming to you personally to let you know that all will be well again...I've Got This."
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
-- John 15:11
