The musings of Peter

Christmas: The End of Doubt

Christmas is the end of doubt. When Adam and Eve were separated from God, they brought doubt into the world. In their brief separation, they began to wonder if God would return, if He would help them understand the world they were now living in. The devil seized this opportunity to sow seeds of doubt. Yet, it’s important to remember: the devil cannot create doubt; he merely exploits the capacity God gave us to think. Doubt comes from us, not from God.

The Beginning of Faith

Christmas begins with a Virgin mother and a puzzled father. Mary and Joseph were confronted with a situation that defied understanding—a pregnancy that should not have happened. But when doubt crept in, God sent reassurance. Angels appeared to explain that this was His plan, His way.

Fast forward to Jesus’ resurrection: on the road to Emmaus, He walked with disciples for seven miles, explaining how Jewish scriptures had foretold His life, death, and resurrection. Yet, these disciples, who had walked with Him before, did not recognize Him until He broke bread—just as He had done on Holy Thursday. In that moment, their eyes were opened.

Mary and Joseph’s Unwavering Faith

Unlike the disciples, Mary didn’t have the luxury of hindsight. She didn’t have scriptures tying the story together or prophecies explained. All she had were the words of angels and a promise from God. When Joseph, a man who had studied the scriptures, heard the angel’s message, he didn’t have the full picture either. Yet, both chose faith over doubt.

Imagine if someone told you one of your children would be the savior of the world. You might wonder how that could possibly happen. But Mary and Joseph embraced faith. Mary said, “Be it done to me according to your word.” Joseph said, “I will do as you command.” Together, they set aside doubt and embarked on a journey of trust in God.

When danger arose, they fled to Egypt to protect their child. When Mary approached Jesus at the wedding in Cana, she said, “This is your time,” even when He said, “It’s not my time.” Her faith was steadfast, and her whole life was a testament to combating the doubt introduced by Adam and Eve.

Faith at the Cross

As Mary watched Jesus perform miracles, she must have felt hope stir within her. Yet, standing at the foot of the cross, she must have also been confronted by the weight of doubt. But instead of succumbing to it, she embraced faith. She remembered the angel’s words, the prophecies, and the teachings of Jesus. She looked to God and said, “I trust in Your will. From this will come Your glory.”

When Jesus rose again, Mary’s broken heart must have been healed, her faith fulfilled. She saw her son in glory, and her faith, which had begun with an angel’s promise, carried her through the early days of the Church, even amidst persecution. She witnessed the Spirit bring life and hope to countless souls.

The Manger: A Symbol of Faith

When we look at the manger, we see more than a baby in a stable. We see faith in action. We see the end of doubt. The birth of Jesus is humanity’s declaration: “God, we trust You with all our hearts.” And in response, God gives us His Spirit—a Spirit that strengthens our faith, dispels our doubts, and reassures us that He is in control, that He loves us, and that He walks with us through every trial.

This Christmas, may the story of the Nativity remind us to embrace faith, to trust in God’s plan, and to let go of doubt.

Merry Christmas.