Beatitudes
This last month one of the scriptures for Sunday worship was
the beatitudes – those teachings from Jesus that start out, “Blessed are . . .
“ These teachings remind us that there are deeper joys and greater happiness in
life that we dare not miss.
James Garrett in God’s
Gifts shares a piece by an unknown author that does something interesting.
It creates a set of beatitudes for Christmas. In other words, he points out the
unfathomable blessings of the season that bring meaning and joy to us. Here it
is:
“Blessed are they who find Christmas in the age-old story of
a babe born in Bethlehem. To them a little child will always mean hope and
promise to a troubled world.’
“Blessed are they who find Christmas in the Christmas star.
Their lives may ever reflect its beauty and light.’
“Blessed are they who find Christmas in the joy of giving
lovingly to others. They shall share the gladness and joy of the shepherds and
wise men of old.’
“Blessed are they who find Christmas in the fragrant greens,
the cheerful holly and soft flicker of candles. To them shall come bright
memories of love and happiness.’
“Blessed are they who find Christmas in the happy music of
Christmas time. They shall have a song of joy ever singing in their hearts.’
“Blessed are they who find Christmas in the message of the
Prince of Peace. They will ever strive to help him bring peace on earth, good
will to all.’ (Author unknown)
What a beautiful and wonderful reflection! Yet, as I read
it, it lacks one of the things that Jesus’ original beatitudes convey – that
even the overwhelming difficulties we face can bring us the deepest blessings
of God. So I created a couple of seasonal beatitudes of my own for you to add
to the above:
Blessed are those who are having a Blue Christmas without
one they love, for they shall one day join them in the angel choir with songs
of greatest joy.
Blessed are those who have no presents under the tree, for
Christ himself is their gift and justice and mercy will be theirs.
Blessed are you when you are overwhelmed by the rush of the
season and all about you seems chaotic, for the hush of a Silent Night and the
light of a single candle is yours.
I humbly add those three blessings to the prior list as a
way of reminding us, that in the good and bad of the season, God is at work
bringing us deeper joys and greater happiness that we dare not miss!
Merry Christmas, my friends!
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