Joy to the world and peace to people on earth! Christmas sends a message of hope in world full of war and turmoil. It is a shining light in the darkest of days, Sadly, innocent women and children have always suffered the most due to poverty, strife, and social injustice. However, amid all the Yuletide celebrations, many people take time to remember the marginalized in our society. Many people are doing their best to fight climate change and its devastating effects. I take heart from this.
In 2024, Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights, begins on December 25th and ends on January 2nd, 2025. So, Jews and Christians will be celebrating at the shining of the light at the same time this year. That is a very good thing. Christians have much in common with their brothers and sisters of the Jewish faith, as well as adherents of other faiths.
Unfortunately, due to extremism, terrorism and conflict in the Middle East, incidents of Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia are on the rise. This is intolerable in a civil society. Jews, Christians and Muslims are all "Children of Abraham." The desecration of synagogues and mosques must be strongly condemned. Houses of God must be respected.
In previous Christmas postings, I have discussed the restoration of the venerable Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris. On December 8, 2024, the ancient cathedral reopened five years after it was severely damaged by a devastating fire on April 15, 2019.
Remember the poor and the lonely, not just on Christmas Day, but always. Remember those whom society has rejected. There will be justice because "the first shall be last and the last shall be first."
A very Merry Christmas to all who celebrate the season, and a Happy Hanukkah to all the Jewish faithful.
Take care,
Joanne
