John Lennon released his song “So This Is Christmas” way back in 1971. The subtitle for the song was “War is Over.” It was a protest song against the Vietnam War that was still ongoing. Wikipedia states that Lennon “conceived ‘Happy Xmas (War Is Over)’ as a means of elaborating upon the themes of social unity and peaceful change enacted through personal accountability and empowerment.”

We may think that this Christmas is the worst with the limitations thrust on us as a result of the pandemic. With the uncertainty of what is to come, given the economic impact and social unrest of our days, as well as the political disruption we are experiencing, it is bad. But, you know, it’s not that different than many Christmases in the past. I shared with a friend that today’s problems seem so much worse than when I was younger, although objectively what is happening today is nowhere near as severe. Back then the Vietnam War was raging, the fear of the Soviet Union was constant, presidential assasination attempts and hijacking were almost common, as well as many other threats. My friend’s reply was simple but wise: “Today’s problems feel more intense because we are in them.” 

Think of the first Christmas. Was it a pleasant, happy time? Absolutely not. A teenage unmarried (although betrothed) woman was pregnant. Her fiancé was contemplating leaving her. They had to travel while nine months pregnant to a distant town because of some government mandate. While there, they couldn’t find a hotel and ended up sleeping in a barn. And sure enough, that’s when the baby came. Sure, we sing carols about it now, but I bet young Mary and Joseph must have thought their world was falling apart. In addition, their nation was under occupation from a feared and powerful enemy—the Roman Empire. They were just kids facing an uncertain future during bleak times. 

But it was then that God chose to send His Son into the World that He so dearly loved! A light in the darkness. Hope to the hopeless. Joy to the world! 

The light of Christ is just as bright today as it was then, or ever. We must choose to look at Jesus and let the things of this world grow strangely dim—in the words of the famous song. Regardless of the present difficulties we may be facing, we must focus our hope and joy on the reality that this is most certainly not the end of the story. Christ has come! And Christ will return. We celebrate the birth of Jesus that brought our salvation when He carried our sin and shame on the cross. And we celebrate with expectation His return when He comes in power to put an end to all pain, sickness, suffering, sin, evil, and yes—war! Saints, let’s remain JOYFUL in Jesus this holiday season!