Christmas is “the most wonderful time of the year!” So goes the carol, expressing a view of Christmas that many of us understand and share. We love Christmas for its traditions, its family gatherings, and its beautiful sights and sounds. People seem friendlier, and we often find a spring in our step as we anticipate special occasions and time away from work. What is it about Christmas that creates all this? Commercialization and sentimentality aside, the meaning of Christmas is rooted in the generous and saving love of God for his world. This is good news indeed and celebration is certainly in order. Yet we can forget that the story is still being written, that all is not yet peace and joy, and we overextend ourselves in our efforts to create the reality now. The events surrounding the birth of Jesus have all the important elements of a good story: a troubled, broken world, mysterious prophecies, aching sages, oriental kings, poor shepherds, angels, and a young woman chosen to give birth to a special baby boy. These people set off on long dangerous journeys, experience life-changing visions, encounter angels, and converse with kings. Their journeys include detours, missed clues, and divine interventions. Their visions save them from a power-mad king and their own anguished choices. Great stories capture our imaginations, but when we find ourselves an integral part of the story–when we experience the deep thrill of adventure–we begin to understand the true meaning of Christmas. As the Apostle Paul said, we were “without hope and without God in the world.” But God breaks into the story of his world. He will save us! He has remembered the poor! Hope surges. Joy fills the streets. Peace on earth, goodwill to those on whom God’s favor rests! Poets and composers have found in these Christmas stories a rich treasure-resource for some of the greatest poetry and music ever written. Inspired by the stories of God with us, we reach for words and sounds to express these profound realities. Music becomes an important vehicle since music gives form and substance to the intangible. As we sing these great stories, we own our place in them. We place our hope in the Child. We come and worship. We offer this music in the hope that the mystery and wonder of the Incarnation will once again inspire and encourage you toward a deeper peace, a more vivid hope, and a profound joy.