Christmas Contrasts

Is it possible to understand Christmas more meaningfully through the contrasts that it creates and we create? While some contrasts of Christmas are troubling, others are comforting. The poems in this book juxtapose some of these. There are contrasts of the past and present, contrasts within past and present time, contrasts of wealth and poverty, etc. They evoke vivid images, many of which we know well. Some are pleasant and others are disturbing. How do we deal with the reality of many of these contrasts that emphasize our failure to grasp the meaning of Christmas in such a way that we live out the message of peace and goodwill? The Advent and Christmas seasons are seasons of hope and failure. The hope of peace and goodwill inaugurated in the birth of the Christ Child is contrasted with the failure of his followers to realize the peace and goodwill of which the angels sing. How does a careful look at the contrasts of Christmas help us better understand its meaning and how its meaning can be fulfilled in us? These poems explore this question and offer some helpful and timely responses.