WILL THERE BE CHRISTMAS?

The following meditation, in the form of a poem, was written by Fr. Javier Leoz, a priest in the Spanish town of Pamplona.  Pope Francis personally phoned the priest to convey his appreciation of the message. 

Will there be Christmas? 
Of course! 
 
More silent and with more depth. 

More like unto the first one, when Jesus was born in solitude. 
 
Without many lights on earth 
but with the star of Bethlehem 
shining on paths of life in its immensity. 
 
Without colossal royal processions 
but with the humility of feeling as if we are 
shepherds, young and old, seeking the Truth. 
 
Without big tables and with bitter absences 
but with the presence of a God who will fill everything. 
 
Will there be Christmas? 
Of course! 
 
Without streets overflowing with people 
with our hearts burning 
for the One who is about to arrive. 
 
Without noise or festivals, 
complaints or stampedes … 
but living the Mystery without fear 
of the “COVID-Herod” that tries to 
rob us even of the dream of waiting. 
 
There will be Christmas because GOD is on our side 
and He shares, as Christ did in a manger, 
our poverty, trials, tears, anguish and orphanhood. 
 
There will be Christmas because we need 
a divine light in the midst of such darkness. 

COVID-19 will never be able to reach the heart or soul 
of those who put their hope and their high ideal in heaven. 
 
THERE WILL BE CHRISTMAS! 
WE WILL SING CHRISTMAS CAROLS! 
GOD WILL BE BORN AND WILL BRING US FREEDOM! 
 
(J. Leoz)