Christmas Perspective
At Christmas, it is easy to be distracted by all the treats, traditions, and trappings of the season. If we aren't careful, Christmas can become a nostalgic, family focused holiday that has little to do with God. Henri Nouwen, a Dutch Catholic priest and writer, helps put the holiday and its many activities in proper perspective for us:
"I realized that songs, good feelings, beautiful liturgies, nice presents, big dinners, and many sweet words do not make Christmas. Christmas is saying ‘yes’ to something beyond all emotions and feelings. Christmas is saying ‘yes’ to a hope based on God’s initiative, which has nothing to do with what I think or feel. Christmas is believing that salvation is God’s work, and not mine."
- Henri Nouwen
