"Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; The calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to lead them."
Today is a celebration of light. It is the beginning of Winter in the Northern Hemisphere and of Summer in the Southern Hemisphere. There have been festivals throughout history which mark this "triumph of the sun" since ancient times. Light and illuminatioon are the focus of atention as the seasons give us hope for tomorrow.
It is no coincidence that this is the week of Christmas. We have been marking the days of Advent in anticipation of the miracle of renewed birth. This is our time of joy. The whole atmosphere is infused with joy. Once again we are given the oppportunity to do the right thing in response to this light, illumination, hope and joy of Christmas.
How does Christmas appear to young people who die of AIDS, to the millions without employment and social dignity...when children are physically and sexually abused...when women continue in many cultures as subordinates...when ethnic slaughter goes on in Africa, Europe and Asia...when the Earth is ravaged by our excesses? How does light and joy come to these? The light of the world comes in the guise of YOU. We have the renewed chance for reconcilliation with those who suffer. It is our opening to offer relief to our brothers and sisters who experience material, emotional, social, moral and physical poverty.
How can I illuminate life for others? How can I bring joy, hope and light to the world?
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