Hope and Christmas Gatherings
From Music and the Spoken Word
Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell • Program 4241
Christmas is a season like none other, and central to its celebrations is gathering. From near and far, down the street and around the world, we gather as family, friends, and neighbors to sing and to make memories, to share love and gifts, to warm ourselves in the sweet glow of the season. It’s as if all the sights and sounds, the wonder and awe, are designed to draw us closer together.
These gatherings are what make Christmas so joyous. But for some, this is a difficult and tender time. Some loved ones are missing from Christmas gatherings for the first time; some are not able to leave their home or travel; others are separated from loved ones by long miles or strained relations, by broken hearts or painful memories. But the promise of Christmas is that sorrow can be turned to joy, and sadness can give way to gladness.
Always there is hope—hope that we will reunite with loved ones, so cherished and missed; hope for an opportunity to start rebuilding a relationship; hope that this Christmas will mark the dawning of new life and new prospects. Two thousand years ago, a new star appeared in the heavens, signaling a glorious birth, a new beginning, a radiant hope. No star ever shone so brightly. No birth ever changed the world so much. No simple gathering of parent and child was ever so glorious, so promising.
This season, may our hearts be open to the possibilities that gathering with loved ones affords. May we be sensitive to the loneliness of others and look for ways to expand our circles. May we feel the joy and hope of Christmas gatherings.
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