Two Christmases

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 318, 19 December 1989, Page 3

Two Christmases

Once again the Good News of Christmas is upon \ s.

In a darkened world the news of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem shines forth as a bright light, indeed it is the bright light of Christ that gives hope to the world! What darkness clouds your life? Is it unemployment? It is homeliness? Is it loneliness? Is it hoplessness? Is it unbelief? Is it self indulgence? Is it crass selfishness? Some of the clouds of darkness come our way through no fault of our own. Some we bring upon ourselves by our own actions! The clouds of darkness that afflicted the shepherds in the fields, watching their flocks by night - the darkness of political oppression, the darkness of economic enslavement - the darkness of a foreign military occupation of their land by the Roman legions; - these all were dispelled by the great Star of

light. The shepherds were prepared for the light. They awaited that light in simple living trust. Their reward was to hear the angels sing! The inn keeper did not hear the angels. The crowds in Bethlehem there for the census did not hear the angels. The clouds of unbelief, self indulgence and crass selfishness shut out the majestic light of that star. And, still today, those who choose this path know not the light of Christ. Not because the light doesn't shine but because the object on which it shines is overshadowed by cloud. So, there are two Christmasses. One is a holiday and the other a Holy Day. May the light of Christ shine for you and make this Christmas the happiest Holy Day of your life. The Reverend Father R.L. Peck Vicar of Ruapehu