By many measures, 2021 was bleak, turning out to be among the worst years since the start of the millennium. We were confronted with a slew of challenges, starting with the most obvious: the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, which appears to be a persistent threat and one that feels like it might never be eradicated. This, followed by massive wildfires, political unrest, and politicians who sometimes seem to care less about the people and more about themselves have made a trying year one that we’ll remember for a long time.
However, despite having endured difficulties, we still have plenty to make us thankful and hopeful on this Christmas Day.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by the meaning of Christmas — the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ — as well as the time of its observance. As the year draws to a close, Christmas is an ideal time to reflect on the year past and what lies ahead. What began as a day primarily dedicated to commemorating the birth of the Christian savior has evolved into a secular holiday of sorts — a celebration of family and a time of self-discovery, both in the context of oneself and of us all.
Mortality, destruction and financial ruin have resulted this year for some Americans. However, in parts of the country, December brings a blanket of snow that obscures the bad, and then we see on the horizon a shimmering white glimmer of hope. On Christmas, we seek refuge with our families indoors, beside the fireplace, experiencing peace and serenity, and we can discover the hope that lies beyond the fireplace. We express our thanks to our loved ones for their presence, and to our savior — or good fortune — for our survival. We look forward to the future, with the hope that it will be brighter.
Yes, it is possible to be hopeful despite any tragic circumstances that we have witnessed or experienced. Many incredible news stories go unreported, or they simply pass us by because we have become numb to the good that exists in the world. Examples this year include the discovery of a massive reservoir of water on Mars, which scientists believe could indicate the presence of life on a planet that may have the potential to aid in the survival of the human species. Or, what about reports of new technology that could allow a person to be diagnosed with an illness just by breathing into a machine? In addition to this, let us not forget about other technologies that are being invented all the time to make our lives easier.
In this and other news, such as the many stories of people helping people, we find hope. To have hope is to wish for a better tomorrow despite any perilous circumstances of one’s present or past. We have been through two terrible years of a pandemic — in which people’s loved ones died, businesses closed, temporarily or permanently, and some people lost faith that things will ever return to “normal.” But, so many people have the courage to keep on, with the hope of a better future. After all, why shouldn’t they? We live in a world that offers limitless opportunities and options for achieving success, as well as coping with loss and failure. We can overcome circumstances that seem to be insurmountable at times.
It is essential to be with cherished friends and family members even in times of sorrow. Christmas provides us with the opportunity to come together. Those things for which we are thankful help us to press forward with our endeavors. I say, identify that sliver of hope that you see, whatever it may be, and utilize it to propel yourself toward the future you desire. There are no guarantees, but if you want to restore even a semblance of normalcy, you must take a risk and go on a quest to find it. If you put forth the effort, surely you will find green pastures ahead.
I know that many people see challenges and give up before they even start to move forward. But I urge anyone who fears that he or she isn’t strong enough to do so: please believe in yourself. Every day is a new beginning and we must use these beginnings carefully. If you press on, you might just find what you’re looking for in the new year ahead.
Armstrong Williams (@ARightSide) is the owner and manager of Howard Stirk Holdings I & II Broadcast Television Stations and the 2016 Multicultural Media Broadcast Owner of the Year. He is the author of “Reawakening Virtues.”