I believe in Christmas

NOTE: This editorial from former publisher Laura J. McKenzie was originally published in December 2012. It has been updated by current publisher Jonathan Vickery who believes its message is still important 11 years later.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” – Luke 2:14

Sometimes it seems hard to look around us and find peace on our planet, much less goodwill amongst its populace. There is evil in this world, and that evil spoils the lives of even the best of human beings.

In October, that evil visited Israel. Eleven years ago evil visited Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. Twenty-two years ago evil visited New York. Just read the headlines of newspapers and news websites all over the world on any given day for more examples. Throughout time, evil has touched us with cold, cruel actions that threaten to steal our hopes and dreams.

But every time evil has come to pass, so has good.

Good comes in the form of heroes who face and fight evil.

Good comes in the form of people reaching out to those in need.

Good comes in the outpouring of love and caring for those who are lost and sorrowing.

Good comes in restoring our faith in man and God.

The Christmas story is a story of goodness overcoming evil.

An engaged woman became pregnant in a society that shunned that sort of thing. Yet, her fiancé, once visited by an angel, had faith and stood by her. Despite all the social pressure, their faith guided them.

Three wise men sought to worship and honor the baby Jesus, tipping off his existence to King Herod. They came to realize that Herod had evil intentions, and found a way to subvert those intentions. Their faith guided them.

After the wise men left, Joseph was told that Herod was out to kill the newborn son and they needed to escape to Egypt. Their faith guided them to a new life in a strange land.

In his rage, Herod would go on to kill all the male children under the age of two in Bethlehem in his search for the child he considered to be a rival for his power. These slaughtered children became known as the Holy Innocents.

And yet, there was faith amongst the tears. And that faith endured despite the evil actions of Herod. The agony he imposed was no match for faith, hope and love.

In their darkest hour, they reached out to God for support.

Even today, despite all the evil in the world, Christmas reminds us to have faith beyond our sorrows.

I have faith that the majority of people are good and decent and kind. We may have petty differences and personal arguments, but there remains a core of goodwill in the hearts of men and women.

Our community is filled with kind-hearted people who help others, even complete strangers. Just last week, a young homeless man posted on the Barnwell County community Facebook page about his plight of seeking shelter and a job. Most of the comments were from people offering him a hand up. An update shared how someone has paid for a hotel room while a restaurant has given him a job.

If that example doesn’t fit the Christmas message of hope and goodwill, I don’t know what does.

I also feel that children are given to us - for a minute or an hour or months or years – to restore our faith in God. Their innocent love shines brighter than candles. Turn to pages B1-6 for the Baby’s First Christmas section, which is sure to bring a smile to your face.

And I believe that a single baby (Jesus), whose mortal life was limited, has given faith and love and hope to millions for thousands of years. His life steadfastly reminds us that evil, no matter its form, can always be overcome.

I have hope for peace on earth.

I have faith in good will toward men.

I have love given to me by family and friends and sometimes through the kindness of a stranger.

I believe in Christmas.