I am reminded of a homily so very long ago given by one of our parish priests.  It was about 1993.  He told the story of his shopping experiences in Chapel Hill.  He marveled at the cute sayings, little mice, Santa, animals, bright red banners of “Happy Holidays,” and other seasonal decor.

But, he asked, “Where was Christ?”  Our Holy Day was fast becoming a “shopping and celebration” experience without Christ in the middle of our life.  We were more for us and were losing, or maybe even lost, the meaning of Christ’s Holy Day.  The day he was born was fast becoming forgotten.

Like the book, “Neverending Story,” where the world was disappearing because the inhabitants lost interest and their beliefs …and … their world of Fantasia is slowly being devoured by a force called “The Nothing,” Christ and Christianity is being overshadowed and even erased from our lives and culture.

But, at Christmas we are reminded that The Promise of Christmas is still with us and brings hope to the world, for we believe.

Luke  2:9-14

 9. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear.

10 The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

11 For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.

12  And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”

13  And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:

14 “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”