On Faith
Marc R. Alexander
Holidays a special time
of the yearThe sights and sounds of Christmas are all around us -- in our offices, homes, on the radio and television. For Christian and non-Christian alike, this is a special time of year during which we are simply more aware of others, especially those in need and our own families and friends.
Of course, for the Christian "the reason for the season" is ultimately Christ. We are preparing to celebrate his birth. Yet, the fact is that we find ourselves in an increasingly secularized world. At times it is almost as if Christ no longer has a place in society. In the words of Pope John Paul II, "Many claim to admire Jesus and to value elements of his teaching. Yet he remains distant: He is not truly known, loved and obeyed, but consigned to a distant past or a distant heaven." The cynic within might say that when we look at the world in which we live, it is difficult to believe that the love, peace and joy that Jesus came to bring can be anything more than wishful thinking. To this sentiment, I invite us all, Christian and non-Christian, to simply and boldly proclaim, "Merry Christmas!"
First, to my Christian brothers and sisters, the words "Merry Christmas" must only be the beginning. The entirety of our lives must yell out "Merry Christmas!" In my heart I know and believe that the major reason why so many do not believe in Jesus or find his message credible is because we, his disciples, continue to fail him. We see Christian denominations competing with each other rather than working together. Some of our own leadership has betrayed our trust and their vocation. We ourselves may be lax, worshipping the things of this world more than God, and failing to practice authentic love of neighbor. Indeed, let's be honest, all the special celebrations and activities of Christmas can do little to make up for our own lapses of discipleship. People come to see the vitality and truth of Christ when they see it alive in the deeds and actions of his followers.
We Christians need to ask God and neighbor to forgive us for own weaknesses and failures. And at the same time we need to recommit ourselves to making Christ the true center of our personal and church lives. If we in the Christian community do not give witness to love, forgiveness, healing and compassion, how can we expect the non-Christian community to take anything we have to say seriously?
To my non-Christian brothers and sisters, I invite you also to say "Merry Christmas." To do so is an affirmation of the values and compassion for which Christ remains an outstanding bearer. In a world fraught with violence, poverty, despair and selfishness, Christ proclaims a very different message: The way to true happiness is through forgiveness, humility, altruism and trust in a power far beyond ourselves. This is a message all people of good will can embrace.
Our world needs to recover a sense of hope and solidarity to counter the pessimism and cynicism that are far too prevalent. The message of Christ expresses that aspiration.
Merry Christmas to all! May the joy of Christ fill our hearts. May his peace be ours.
The Rev. Marc R. Alexander is pastor of the Manoa-Punahou Catholic Community.
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