O Star of Hope!

  •   Wed, Dec 25 2024
  •   By Fr Anush D’Cunha SJ

December 25, 2024 

O Star of Hope!



In the stillness of a winter's night,               

A star shines bright, a guiding light.

Amidst the shadows of war's cruel hand,

It whispers peace across the land.

 

Through the echoes of conflict, a message clear,

The Christmas Star brings hope, drawing near.

In the hearts of the weary, it ignites a flame,

Reminding us all, we are not the same.

 

Political tensions may rise and fall,

But love's gentle call transcends it all.

For in the darkness, where despair may creep,

The star's soft glow stirs dreams from sleep.

 

Let us gather beneath its radiant glow,

Embracing the warmth that we all long to know.

For every soldier, every child in fear,

The Christmas Star shines, its promise sincere.

 

So, as we celebrate this season of grace,

May we find unity in our shared human space.

With hope as our compass, let kindness impart,

The enduring message of the Christmas Star.

 

 

 

In the context of the war in Palestine and Israel, and in many parts of the world there exists political turmoil, we have a star shining bright, giving us hope. It means praying not only for peace but also for the courage to be instruments of that peace and hope. We are reminded of Pope Francis’ words: “Peace is not merely the absence of war but a work of justice” (Evangelii Gaudium, 218). 

This holy night also reminds us that darkness does not have the final word. The Gospel of John declares, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). Even in the face of war and turmoil, the birth of Christ assures us that God’s light cannot be extinguished. This light is not just an abstract concept, but a living reality embodied in every act of love, mercy, and forgiveness.

 

 

 
By Fr Anush D’Cunha SJ
Fr Anush D’Cunha SJ belongs to Jesuit of Karnataka Jesuit Province. Currently, he is the dean of studies at Vidyaniketan, South Indian Common Juniorate, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Email id: anushdcunhasj88@jesuits.net
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Comment on this article

  • Daniel, Mangalore

    Thu, Dec 26 2024

    Nice reflections but these earthly war manifestations because of Heavenly Battle between St Michael the ArchAngel, his angels and Lucifer, his demons ? So say the Bible in Revelation 12:7-8 7 And there was a great battle in heaven, Michael and his angels fought with the dragon, and the dragon fought and his angels: 8 And they prevailed not, neither was their place found any more in heaven. and following referenced part of the recent Divine message... ...Today, faced with a Catholicity invaded by the modernist and progressive spirit, the prevaricator of all the Tradition that preceded it, [the fallen angel] feels victorious once again and has placed servants to his cause in the majority of formerly Christian countries, destroying their beautiful civilization, impoverishing and bribing them. ///// My dearest Children, do not let yourselves be taken in by this gangrene of the world. The devil is so strong and so skillful that you will only defeat him through prayer, fervor and the courage of the militants of Jesus Christ. ///// Instead of following Lucifer, follow Saint Michael the Archangel, the leader of the Catholic militia, do not leave him, do not desert him, he is more powerful than the rebellious Angel, with him you will be courageous, fighting and persevering. ///// This is My Wish, the divine Wish I formulate on this night of My Birth, for I came to save you and I never cease to save you, to encourage you, to LOVE you. ///// May the Divine Child be your comfort and your sweetness, may He be blessed! ///// I bless you, in the Name (+) of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. //// Jesus Christ, the Emmanuel». Ref: http://www.jesusmariasite.org/6572-do-not-let-yourselves-be-taken-in-by-this-gangrene-of-the-world-this-is-my-wish-on-this-night-of-my-birth/

  • Fr Richard Mascarenhas SJ, Puttur/Harihar

    Thu, Dec 26 2024

    Very good Fr Anush. Your reflections are very deep on the theme of Christmas Star. The poem is context based - the Palestine and Israel war. No doubt, it also portraits the grim reality that is around. Amidst all these reality the shining STAR of Christmas remains as HOPE for better days. Kudos to you Fr D'Cunha.


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