From the cold trenches of Bakhmut to the warm sofa of the White House. A Paradox of Hope born this Christmas.

If you missed the speech, president Zelenski spoke to the US congress this past week. He has become a héroe for many, and I am sure a foe to others. When I saw his speech, only a day  and hours before our Christmas holidays, I was moved, and I have to admit, teary eye. Thus writing this short article became important. The meaning of Christmas, is very conflicting to me during wartimes. The idea of not having electricity in the winter, let alone in a modern 2022 world, is also very primitive and middle age. And here someone is using the winter to cause harm on purpose to innocent civilians. 

Zelenski said: We are constantly being attacked by missiles. When we hear the sirens, we get into our basements to save our life's from the Russian strikes. They  are attempting to shut Ukraine down, by destroying our cities and electric power plants. He paused for a moment and added: But there is one thing they will never shut out. That is the light within us, the hope and faith within us. Our faith will not faint. At this point, the speech became spiritual. I was transported back to the immense sacrifice of Christ at ground zero, in a small manger, bringing a small light into the world. A light that's been passed thru generations and continues shining today in the hears to millions. 

This David-Goliath situation in war time, is making me more considerate and thankful. I have become a bit more reflective, and less complaining. I am asking some deeper questions about the way to live life in modern times.  Having food to eat, and a warm place to spent this Christmas, is a blessing which should not be taken lightly. 

We have become way to soft and self-centered these days. We succumb too fast and give up when life gets ugly and rough. Our lights go dim and often, we go dark. There is hope though:

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. Is 9:2 --- Spoken in year 770 BC
When Jesus came, He brought and became the light for us. Mt 4:16  Spoken year 30 AC

When sin entered the world, darkness has been fighting against light. Christ brought hope and light. That is the light that keeps us getting up everyday and believing the best is yet to come. Its the light that no problem or outside (missile) situation can damper our faith. It's the light you and I are called to keep burning within and sharing with those in darkness during this season. 

Jesus continues being the light of this world and the only hope that all will be perfect one day. 

Zelenski said, we will fight until we restore our land and have won our freedom back. What makes this so real, is the moment he said it and with the conviction he spoke for the people of Ukraine.  Within 24 hours this man traveled between real suffering and pain to the comforts of the White House palace. His speech had a tone of hope, conviction, and an invitation to all that believe in freedom to join in. 

From the dirty trenches defending Bakhmut in Ukraine to the luxury and status of the White House, there is an abyss, which can only be crossed with the hope of freedom and the light and hope to live that comes from deep within. Well done people of Ukraine. Keep that light burning. Well done YOU (anyone) who reads these lines. Do not lose hope. No situation, person or crisis can take away your decision to believe and hope for better days to come. 

How about you? Is the light of your dreams, your hopes, and you as a person, still burning?

keeping my light burning.