The Christmas season is an especially busy season for virtually everyone. Whether it’s travelling to see family and friends, preparing for countless holiday parties, or making sure you’ve purchased the perfect gifts for all your loved ones, it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of the season and lose sight of the meaning of Christmas.
Additionally, the past two years have been hard on all of us as we continue dealing with the COVID pandemic, economic uncertainty, and divisiveness across the nation. Despite this, we can all take a moment to slow down this Christmas season and give thanks for the miracle of Christmas.
The first chapter of the John’s gospel tells us, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Even in the midst of what feels like some very dark days in our nation’s history, we can take comfort in the gospel story that began some 2,000 years ago when God sent His only Son to be born of the Virgin Mary.
God’s love for us overpowered evil more than 2,000 years ago, and this same love shines just as brightly today. I’m reminded of this all-powerful love on days when I’m most frustrated, discouraged, or angry.
This has been a hard year for so many, but I am convinced our best days are just around the corner. Although we are still dealing with COVID issues, I truly believe we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. In Alabama, our economy is rebounding as folks get back to work and businesses have reopened. Plus, thanks to the availability of vaccines and medicines to treat this virus, we will soon beat this pandemic.
This week, I hope you will take the time to reflect with your loved ones about the blessings of the Christmas season and the miracle of Jesus’ birth to save the world. We truly are so blessed, and we have so much to be thankful for this year and every year.
As we move toward the new year, Tina and I wish you all a healthy and prosperous 2022. May God bless you and your family this Christmas season, and may God bless continue to bless the United States of America.
Merry Christmas!
Jerry Carl represents Alabama’s First Congressional District. He lives in Mobile with his wife Tina.
