by Curt Kovener 
Youngsters long anticipate the arrival of Christmas. And so did the ancient children of God. Prophesy told them of a coming Messiah.
Some thought he was a political savior: the Jewish people were looking for a leader with the courage to drive the Roman Army from their land. Instead they found a man who urged them to put away their swords and face their enemies armed only with love and goodwill.
Others were looking for a social reformer: the poor were looking for a comrade who would sympathize with their plight and help force an equalization of the financial wealth. Instead they found a carpenter who made them stand on their feet with dignity and pride. The wealthier people were looking for a comforter to assure them that the sick and poor had pretty much gotten what they deserved. Instead they found a physician who taught them to heal the sick, have compassion for the poor, and to not be concerned with the possessions of this world.
Still others were looking for a religious reformer: the leaders of the church power structure were expecting a Messiah who would congratulate them for being such pious men. Instead they found a man whose look pierced the facade of their hypocrisy and showed their shallowness to the world.
Following His birth, wealthy scholars traveled a great distance to bring gifts to the Christ Child. This was no gift exchange, caring people gave freely and willingly without any obligation of any reciprocity.
Christ could have been born in a palace in a large city amid great pomp and celebration. Instead, he came into this world in a stable in a tiny, obscure village where the only celebrants were shepherds—the most lowly of jobs. It was hard work with less than pleasant working conditions and required a simple, earthy lifestyle free of worldly trappings.
The Christmas season focuses on a single day and gives us a time to reflect on the promise of the Christ Child and to renew our worn commitment to try to spread peace on earth goodwill among men.
