# Grace abounds: the vigil of christmas
*2008-12-22*

> On the final day of Advent, Bill Young reflects on the true meaning of Christmas and shares a powerful meditation on faith and suffering from Reverend James Field.

## The True Meaning of Christmas

Today is the Vigil of Christmas and the last day of Advent. As we approach the holiday, it is important to remember what Christmas is truly all about. It is not about the presents, the decorations, or the food; it is about the birth of Christ. Christ lived and died for us on the cross for our sins so that one day we may all join Him in heaven. That is the real purpose of this season.

## A Prayer for the Nativity

Before diving into today's reflection, I want to share a prayer to obtain favors that was given to me by my aunt, Sister Mary Teresa: "Hail and blessed be the hour and the moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary at midnight in Bethlehem in piercing cold. In that hour, I vow [unclear]. Oh my God, hear my prayers and grant my desires through the merits of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and His Blessed Mother. Amen."

## Finding Grace in the Midst of Suffering

We are concluding our readings from 'A Melody of Hope: Daily Reflections, Responses and Prayers' by the Reverend James Field. In the final entry, Father Field shares a startling surprise. He writes that while he was polishing the final details of his writing project, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. 

He notes that when you have a habit of looking through the lens of faith, you realize that grace abounds even in the face of bad news. He describes himself as being wooded by an ocean of prayer, stating that no matter how hard he looks, he cannot find where fear is hiding. He attributes this peace to his time spent pouring over the Advent scriptures and reflecting on the customs of the season.

## God to the Rescue

Father Field reminds us that the birth of Christ is the story of God to the rescue. He writes that while he is getting used to the idea of having cancer, his writing has assured him that although he has cancer, cancer does not have him. He compares the forces of illness to those who have raged against God but cannot win the day.

He invites us to look at the creche: the smelly shepherds, the high-and-mighty camels, and the stable—all perfectly contained and at home with one another. God is putting the world back together by making us children of heaven. We belong to Christ, operating as citizens of a different kingdom.

*Even in the face of our greatest trials, we can find peace knowing that God is to the rescue and His grace abounds.*