UPFRONT December 21, 2009 Issue

NO SURPRISE PARTY

KIM SHIPPEY, SENIOR WRITER

At this time of year, as we settle into holiday activities, it's comforting to know that the one thing that doesn't change is Christmas itself. No one tries to rewrite the time-honored script. It's never a surprise party. Angel voices still rise above the fearsome noise of the news of the day to proclaim "on earth peace, good will toward men" (Luke 2:14).

These words have become so familiar to many of us, writes Sue Spotts in her lead article (p. 7), that they are often quoted without attribution and with little or no recognition of their deep spiritual significance. "Truth's immortal message," she says, "is destined to have ultimate healing and saving impact not only for each of us individually, but for all humanity."

Darren Stone writes in her poem on page 17 that Christmas is a time to honor this peace, "show we care even/for neighbors we might not like," and accept "the gift of living with the Christ/throughout each year."

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