Last week while in the USA for a medical check-up I saw a news item that was very interesting. It was reported that the Governor of Rhode Island lit a well decorated tree which he termed “a holiday tree.” When questioned by a journalist why he preferred to us the term “holiday tree” and not “Christmas tree”, he was very vague with his response. Further when he was asked what holiday it was, he refused to answer.

Christmas is a celebration of hope and so it is filled with symbols of the One who gives hope and is hope Himself, Emmanuel, God-is-with us. The traditional carols, Christmas cards, lights, crèches, etc. all point to the reason for this festive holidays. The lighting of a Christmas tree reminds us of what the prophet Isaiah had to say about the coming of the Messiah: “The people  who walked in darkness has seen a great light…You have increased their joy.” Thus if we spend time focusing on every Christmas symbol we can sure find some measure of hope as we anxiously await what seems to be a rather bleak future due to the escalating financial crisis.

This Christmas, as in every Christmas, there are those who focus on the mere physical or material dimension. The celebration of Christmas is a reminder that God has come to be in solidarity with the poor and the vulnerable. The manger, another powerful symbol, if truly considered can inspire the less fortunate and those who are living in poor housing conditions.

Let your giving and sharing this Christmas symbolize Christ’s outstretched hands to the needy. Let the warmth of your giving radiate God’s unconditional love to your recipients. As you light your Christmas tree this Christmas let it not be just another piece of decoration or a “holiday tree” but let it inspire you to be light to all those who are living in a darkened world.

I wish you all a Blessed and Holy Christmas and God’s richest blessings for the New Year.