Going through today’s readings makes one think of a Christmas fairytale movie, about a happy-ever-after kingdom ruled by a gracious, majestic and kind king. The good news is that such a kingdom is promised to us, but because we are so battered by evil and hopelessness, the kingdom of God feels like a distant fairy tale. Perhaps, that is why we await eagerly for Christmas, for that little bit of hope and joy, for that little bit of light in the darkness.

Yet, hope, joy, peace and love are not a season but a person. There is no spirit of Christmas without “Christ”, who came into this world in the form of a child and continues to exist as King forevermore. The Spirit of the Lord lives not for a season but a lifetime in us. Therefore, in today’s Gospel proclamation our Lord invites us to come to him in a child-like dependency, to not let the hopelessness of this world steal the assurance of the hope, peace and joy we possess in his Kingdom through him. For joy, is the laughter of heaven.

Prayer: Abba Father, may we experience the presence of Jesus in our lives. Amen.