A Season of Hope-from Jessica

This holiday season I have found myself reflecting on the meaning of Christmas. Usually this season is filled with a time when we are all trying to meet deadlines and buy gifts for those we love. Although I enjoy the time of celebration with friends and family, there is a part of me that wants to know the deeper meaning of this holiday. There was something that happened 2,000 years ago that changed the world forever. The time leading up to the event was one of anticipation. Anticipation of what would happen and what the implications of this event would be. Ultimately the feelings of anticipation were feelings of hope. Hope that this world could be redeemed and that even in the midst of sorrow there are reasons to be joyful.

Working at Buxton I see myself working through this hope. At a small level seeing my relationships with Abbas and Adam grow provides me with the hope that if relationships between the three of us from different faith traditions work than it can work at a larger level. We work to put together these events in the belief that there is hope for how we can understand and relate to one another. Hope that there can be peace between nations, communities, families, and ultimately between each individual. Through this anticipation of something better, we can press on to understand one another, to learn how to appreciate our differences. It is this anticipation, this hope, which provides me with a drive to continue moving forward for change.

Merry Christmas!