A Christmas Reflection

by Rev Gail Malcolm

This has been quite a year around the world. There has not, for many decades, been the degree of unrest; of challenge; of barriers, and discord that has been building in the Western world. So much pain, division, and dissent — everywhere you look. While we often get caught up in the difficult things we see, with a little effort we are able to notice that we are also surrounded by many points of beauty, honour, and meaning. They are the actual foundations of our world and it is important not to lose sight of these gifts.

I am reminded of the verse, Galatians 5:22-26: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

Within those words are the true reflections of what we should be looking for and affirming as we move forward in our lives, especially in this Christmas season. To love others seems simple and yet, while it is important that we love with hearts as big as we can, we should remember that loving others means that we still must use some discernment in our relationships and connections. Jesus was also discerning and in his passionate care for the world, he practiced Holy Understanding even in places where he could not forgive. Holy Understanding is an approach within life that offers us an option when forgiveness is not ready. Forgiveness is not something that everyone can do, nor should we project that we expect it of others. We are called to forgive others by God, however if we cannot, it is worthy of our thoughts to consider at least being able to enter the state of Holy Understanding where we give grace and compassion to others who may not be seen as forgivable. Through that doorway, we might find our way to forgiveness and in doing so, we meet the place of peace and hope that we carry in our hearts and that inspires us to be the best person we can be.

Sometimes it takes courage to stand in one’s truth or to challenge common beliefs that have become the chant of expectation by our society. Often underneath those spoken ideologies in today’s world, the real message is not what is pretended to be shared. It is not always about love. It is not always about forgiveness, nor it is always about fairness and a true sense of what is right.

It is incumbent on each of us to reach within to look at what we are projecting into the world and to be sure that we see all sides of a situation before we judge. Do we practice reflection and prayer in these moments, listening perhaps for God’s wisdom and insights? Do we offer true peace to others as we are asked to consider in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”.

In this season of celebration of the Christ Child and embracing also many other faiths who celebrate different holy days in their belief systems, may you find peace, love, happiness, and joyful moments. May those who are struggling with life issues and great concerns be held in love and with hope for a brighter tomorrow which always walks with us in celebrating a new year.

Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope”.