Do we really need Christmas? It seems that today, we need Him more than ever. Last week, on one of the many news programs about the goings on in Washington, Mr. Dershowitz decided to wax, wane, and whine about the impending vote on impeachment.

Now you and I may differ on what should be the outcome. We can even have a spirited debate about the issue. In any democratic society that is exactly what should happen. But last week, the impassioned professor equated a vote against impeachment with a vote against the "Right to Life" movement and other, "evil, evil" positions of the radical right. He changed the debate from a discussion about the moral right or wrong to good people vs. evil people. We are now the evil ones encroaching on the good of society.

This is a very dangerous tactic. It demonizes one side and is exactly what people like Hitler et al. have done. All we have to do is make them out to be evil, bad, and they become our enemies. This is the tactic which builds hatred against persons of a different opinion or position.

Those on the so called right are not evil men and women out to destroy the decent people of the country despite what the good professor opines. But we are seeing more and more of this talk and we must not ignore it.

That is why Christmas is so important. "Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: 'Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests'" (Lk. 2:13) God sent His only begotten Son that we might be saved and live with the hope that He is with us in all times.

The answer is not to ignore the issues. The answer is not to go blindly after blood. The answer is not fear mongering, nor appeals to phantoms in the night. The answer lies in hope-filled waiting for the wonderful gift from God.

Our entire life is a time of waiting for that final moment when we will, hopefully, meet Jesus Christ one more time and this time it will be forever. Yes, we all desire to find and experience Christ every day, but this encounter is nothing if we do not live with Him forever in the fullness of heaven.

It is imperative that we rediscover the virtue of hope. Hope is the virtue [power] that helps to aspire with confidence to the things of heaven. In these troubled times, we must learn to listen to the voice of reason enlightened by faith. The gift of faith leads to hope which enables charity to grow in our hearts.

Do not allow someone like the professor to make you afraid or depressed. It's only going to get worse. Like the Herods of yesteryear, and the petty tyrants of today, fear talk is the language of last resort.

Christmas is the season of new light, new hope, new vision. The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord" (Lk 2:10-1). Our God is the God of history and He will be with us for His name is Immanuel, God is with us (cf. Isa. 7:14).