Christmas Then and Christmas Now
In this column, I’d like to take you on a reflection on the differences between the very first Christmas ever and the Christmas experience in 2025, as well as in PCC.
What strikes us?
The Very First Christmas
– There was, as you probably remember, no room for them in the inn.
– The song “Glory to God, Peace on Earth” sounded wonderfully above the shepherds and their sheep.
– The star above Bethlehem shone brightly and brilliantly.
– Back then… the stable and the baby Jesus in the manger were central.
– The wise men from the East offered beautiful gifts to the baby in the manger.
– The angels sang “Goodwill toward men,” which was a heavenly promise for all humanity.
Christmas in 2025
– There’s still no room at the inn for many, just look at the millions of refugees and homeless people on this earth.
– The “Glory to God” resounds in many churches at Christmas, but “Peace on Earth” is sadly nowhere to be found.
– No star shines above Bethlehem, but we see many lights on Christmas trees and in homes all over the world.
– Nowadays… the Christmas tree, the Christmas market, and the elaborate Christmas meal take center stage. The connection between Christmas and the birth of Jesus has faded into the background for most people.
– Many buy gifts for their loved ones to put under the tree; Christmas has become primarily a family celebration.
– We live in the expectation of a New Heaven and a New Earth. But that all seems so elusive, so infinitely far away…
Christmas at PCC-Hand in Hand
– Fortunately, there is (now) room at the inn for all our residents. “Glory to God” and many other Christmas carols are enthusiastically sung, especially “Little Drummer Boy,” also to lovingly commemorate our invaluable Drummer Boy, Kofi Asare, who passed away earlier this year.
– There are many Christmas lights in the Community, and…we imagine all the stars above PCC are twinkling extra brightly on Christmas Eve; just look closely!
– There are no Christmas trees, but there are plenty of palm branches in PCC—it seems like a bridge to Easter…?!
– All residents receive a few simple gifts, but they feel like they’re on top of the world.
– For many residents, our Community seems to be practically “Heaven on earth,” a little paradise after everything they’ve experienced in their lives.
– Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for theirs is the kingdom of God.” Thanks to the children in our Community, we experience something of Jesus’s great love.
– And on Boxing Day, during the nativity play, we are transported back to the very first Christmas celebration in Bethlehem. We see the sheep, the donkey, the manger in the stable, the Christmas star, and above all, we feel great joy over the birth of Jesus. What a celebration!
And what does YOUR Christmas celebration look like…?
Is that very first Christmas central in your Christmas celebration too, or does it feel more like Christmas celebrations nowadays…?
Together with all the residents of PCC, the children of Outreach, and all the staff, we wish you a blessed Christmas. And don’t forget the message of that very first Christmas: “Glory to God and Peace on Earth.”
We sincerely hope that Peace on Earth may finally dawn, so that we can all sing without hesitation:
“His Light shines everywhere.”
Amen.