But these stories filled with hope are possible because of one story the amazing story of Christmas, and if we look at the hopes that are reflected in our Christmas stories we will see that they are but modern versions of that first story. As we move toward the end of this millenium a number of news programs have been interviewing people asking them what is the most significant question or problem that we human beings face. The question was posed to President Clinton. It is not a new question. I like best in the children s book The Velveteen Rabbit.
Humanity struggles to understand the meaning of life.
We struggle to be real. Deep in our being we believe that we are more than a lump of flesh and bones, but that we were created for a purpose. Even in the midst of tragedy and horror, we still believe. The question about the meaning of life is at the heart of the first Christmas story. Today s text is the Magnificat or Song of Mary.