Out of the desert come hope and possibility

South of Tucson, the alluring “White Dove of the Desert” became a spontaneous addition to the itinerary while road-tripping to Texas last July. Although renovation and construction distracted, the beauty of this 18th century mission jewel prevailed. Against the backdrop of the high desert, it is a stunning metaphor and not only because of its white dove-like facade. 

Mission San Xavier del Bac rises up with a message of good-will, hope and faith, even when the surrounding terrain appears desolate. It offers a quiet peace amid challenge. A message of love. A weathered resilience. A piercing intensity.

One cannot help but draw a parallel to the good-will, hope and faith of Christmas which by God’s grace rekindles every year, and permeates throughout a fraught world.

A trio of mission bells atop the adjacent chapel easily prompts an imaginary peal, echoing gently, softly, loudly, stirring minds and souls. And Christmas bells, as Longfellow’s poem suggests, do the same, ringing in new hope for peace and good-will. 

May the marvelous sounds of Christmas bells and all their hope and possibilities be yours.