O Holy Night

By John Kass

Dec. 24, 2024

Dear Reader:

I’ve been writing this column for years.  And some of you have been reading it along with the rest of us every Christmas Eve, for years. But it has never been the same column every year. It is new each time. From year to year there are some minor changes, although the general form remains the same:  from the petitions of the Holy Greek Orthodox Liturgy. I do not reprint or cut and paste, but I write every word fresh so that the words are always green in my heart and spirit. So every word has meaning in my soul. Most times columns can take hours, even days. This one took about 30 minutes. I know I had help. I could feel it, like an angel on my shoulder. Some years ago, an editor at the paper—a former Roman Catholic altar boy—wondered aloud that it sounded like a prayer to him. I smiled and said yes, it sounded that way to me, too.  Merry Christmas everyone.

JK

For all the children who should be loved always, but especially on this night, with our arms wrapped around them and a long goodnight kiss on the temple, a kiss more precious than anything that could ever be wrapped in a box.

And for every parent who stands quietly in the darkened doorways of the bedrooms, watching those small, sleeping shapes.

For every baby who isn’t loved enough and grows up with a hard crust around his heart because there was no one near to plant those kisses and give those hugs.

And for every couple so full of love that they adopt a child to save a life.

For all the young women who have given their baby up for adoption, to save the life growing inside her. For all those who’ve donated funds so that the young women could see the ultrasound image of the life inside of them and save a life. For couples who couldn’t have children of their own. For those who’ve lost their children. For all who’ve lost their moms and dads. For the moms and dads who give everything to keep their family close and safe.

For that crazy uncle who’ll always drink a bit too much tonight, then sneak outside to put on the red suit in the driveway, laughing out there alone in the cold before coming back in to surprise all the children. For that wise aunt who makes sure that  the coffee is strong and black, to help the crazy uncle sober up.

For all those 100,000 or more young Americans who’ve been poisoned by fentanyl brought by the Mexican narco gangs and China. For their grieving parents who were told again and again by Washington that the border was secure. For the hundreds of thousands of innocent child victims and young women victims of those sex-traffickers who controlled the border for years, and who were given free reign by the outgoing American president and his political party to commit these innocents to acts of slavery. There is a millstone waiting to be placed around the necks of those who hurt the “little ones” and have led them into sin. This is the time of mercy, but Jesus was clear about what he would do to those who hurt the little ones.

For all the people in every choir in the world. You see these gentle souls on Sundays. They’ve been practicing for weeks in cold, empty churches, so tonight is their night too. Their beautiful voices lifting us up with song, inviting us to humble ourselves as we ask for help in scraping away any bitterness that has grown like hard bark around our hearts. For the Sunday-school teachers forced to separate the angry lambs from the angry shepherds with their shepherd’s crooks in the church hallway, right before the church Christmas Pageant.

For all those friends who don’t wait for a special night to build a family. They show up unannounced on some random afternoon in July, or a cool morning in November– with a coffee cake from your favorite bakery–dropping by just to make sure that you’re OK. So, tonight is for them, and tomorrow, too, because they are family by the acts of family.

For all the young who are lonely and feel lost and don’t know why. For all those who are far away and can’t make it home this year. For those who are physically near, yet distant in so many other ways, believing that the bad choices they’ve made have locked the door against them.

Don’t be afraid because there is good news!

Tonight is the night when all lost lambs are found. Tonight is the night of new hope for the world.

The door is always open.

Just reach for it and see.

For the good people who help others first. For the children who are hungry and for those who help feed them. For the selfish and the mean-spirited, as well as for the good and the kind. Because we’re all hurting somehow. We’ve all been broken, or we’ve come close to breaking. All of us.

And somehow, we must learn to forgive and embrace and love each other. The rabbi, the carpenter’s son reminded us to love our neighbor.

For the shy ones who aren’t part of the ruling clique at work, who aren’t pushy, but just don’t know how to put themselves forward and make themselves noticed. They’d rather not push themselves forward, especially if that meant pushing someone out of the way. They would not demand a spotlight.

But they would stun you with their commitment and talent if only given half a chance.

For every old man at the end of the bar tonight, nursing his drink, grateful to sit in a warm, clean, and well-lighted place where he can sip something warming and listen to the buzz of life going on around him. And for every old woman alone tonight, wide awake in her bed staring at the ceiling, remembering the laughter of children on nights just like this one, when there was so much work to do and a houseful of guests to feed.

For all our four-legged friends who just know it when you’ve received very bad news and know what you need. They lean against your leg, or just nuzzle.

One cold Christmas Eve it was warm in the house with people gathering, and to add to the cheer we made a large punch bowl of home-made eggnog with plenty of zest. We put that big punchbowl of boozed-up homemade eggnog out on the table on the deck, nestling it in the snow, to keep it cool. And later, someone let the dog out, but his human didn’t know he was out there, and so the dog known to many as Zeus the Wonder Dog stuck his big stubborn head deep into the punch bowl to gulp down that spiked eggnog.

He lapped and lapped. Then he lapped some more.

When his human confronted him, Zeus slowly lifted his head out of the bowl, totally buzzed and somewhat surprised, the eggnog dripping from his now-sad face. He wagged the stub of his tail as if to say “Man, you’ve got to have some of this. It’s so darn tasty.”

It was a good thing dogs can’t drive because Zeus couldn’t walk a straight line.

And for everyone on the night shift tonight, and those who must work tomorrow, all the first responders—the paramedics, firefighters, and police–and the families and friends, especially their children, nieces and nephews waiting for them to come home safe.

And that Chicago Paramedic Chief who thinks about the people who were under his command, and how they all dealt with the pain and thinks about them tonight.

For all the kids cut down in the street gang wars in violent big cities, with politicians cynically bartering away the public’s safety in the pursuit of power and votes from those who do violence against the innocent.

For all the cops of these broken cities who can’t bear what the brutal politics have brought and so they internalize it and poison themselves and seek an exit. Please don’t. Please don’t go. Reach out, ask for help. There are priests to talk to, your colleagues. Remember that help is out there, and you are loved. And remember, the people need you and rely on you to protect them.

For the children who are hungry—so hungry they literally eat cookies made of dirt—please help them, Lord.

For everyone who waits for the call from the doctor and feels the flutter of dark wings.

For everyone in hospital tonight praying for dignity, relief from pain, and a peaceful end without shame or suffering.

For the families and friends who comfort them and mourn them. For their physicians who tend them.

For every nurse who enters a quiet room, pulls up a chair and listens to a quiet confession. For the physical, occupational  and language therapists who never let me or their other patients quit on themselves.

For all the clergy who’ve struggled with their faith, yet who find it again and who are renewed.

For every sailor at sea standing watch tonight, staring out at cold black water, and remembering brightly lit rooms.

For the pilots bringing us safely home, staring into night skies.

For every member of the U.S. Armed Forces who protect us. And for those of the U.S. Foreign Service and the Intelligence Services who walk into the shadows alone to protect this great nation.

For the American republic, the last, best hope of liberty on earth. And for the American people, who never, ever quit.

We are Americans. And Americans find a way.

To all those whom I’ve hurt with thoughtless words, I apologize. Yes, it troubles me because I just can’t reconcile this political writer’s life that sets me to make hard judgements. And trying to balance all that against my Orthodox Christian faith.

I worry that I’ll been blinded by zeal or by pride, locking the gates of heaven against me. Those of us in political life can see ourselves becoming like barking dogs.

But it is by the love of Christ, prayer, and faith that we’re given the opportunity to unlock those gates around our hearts.

For every one of you who has joined me here in supporting this great new adventure. I am overwhelmed. My family and I can’t ever thank you enough.

And for all those across the world who know what is most important on this special night.

It is that simple message brought to us by that perfect child born in the manger in Bethlehem so long ago.

He is the gift. He came to light the world.

He is all about love.

I pray that His love comforts you and remains.

From our family to you and yours.

Merry Christmas.

(Copyright 2024 John Kass)

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About the author: John Kass spent decades as a political writer and news columnist in Chicago working at a major metropolitan newspaper. He is co-host of The Chicago Way podcast. And he just loves his “No Chumbolone” hat, because johnkassnews.com is a “No Chumbolone” Zone where you can always get a cup of common sense.

Merchandise Now Available: If you’re looking for that Christmas or holiday gift for that hard-to-buy for special someone who has everything, just click on the link to the johnkassnews.com store.

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Because I know this about you: You’re not a Chumbolone.

Comments 72

  1. John,

    Very poignant words and obviously from the heart.

    This is something where I can see a dad who should read this out loud with the family around the Christmas tree after Christmas Eve dinner, before Midnight Mass. So much here that should resonate with those who are younger, see the message of the world chaos, that there are consequences and there are options to all events in all cases.

    This is a prayer, a reminder, as to the true meaning of what Christmas should be.

    Merry Christmas, John, to you and your family.

  10. Such a wonderful message at Christmas and the beginning of a new year! God is good. He has a plan for all of us to be good too. The world changed with the humble birth of Jesus Christ. I pray we all get to know Him better.

    “Long lay the world in sin and error pining, ’til he appeared and the soul felt its worth.”

  14. When I see a sign in the neighborhood that says “Keep Christ in Christmas” without decorations, I just think the guys too lazy to put up lights or too cheap to buy gifts. But reading John’s column today (like years before) I think he’s saying the same thing and Mr. Kass I appreciate your insight and I’ll remember to put the eggnog on a shelf in the garage. Merry Christmas !!

  21. The recounting of the incident with the now late Zeus the Wonder Dog came at just the right time – I had been fighting back tears until that point.

    Merry Christmas, everyone!

  22. Γιάννη,
    Σου εύχομαι καλά Χριστούγεννα για όλοι στην οικογένεια σου, με υγεία και ευτυχία το καινούριο έτος!! (So glad I went to Koraes Greek school all those years ago!)
    We are grateful for your strong voice and wisdom of thought….so needed now. Love to you, Betty and the boys!

  25. Thank you, John, for writing this anew each year, for it speaks to our souls of the message if hope and love we all so desperately need to hear again and again to help break away the crust of hardness and pain that can build up through each year! Have a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends and a blessed New Year in 2025!

  28. Merry comes from the Old English -merige. It means Valiant, undauntedly brave. It is not what it has been reduced to as giddy, prissy, or silly. Christmas is about courage and this gives us all peace. Thanks be to God. Merry Christmas!!!!!!!

  29. To, John, Betty and your sons as well as our family of friends who seek out your commentary to make sense of the nonsense that surrounds us every day, simply thank you.
    May this celebration of Christs birth or a Festival of Lights or a celebration of a people and their culture give us renewed hope for our future. Thanks to your comments and those of your guests we do get a cup of midwestern common sense on this page every time it appears.
    And the humor of Zeus’ imbibing was just the cherry on top.
    Happy holidays to all.

  30. John, I was a long time Royko fan since I was a teenager but along comes John Kass, with a different perspective on the same city we all grew up in; and I have followed you since the beginning. This Christmas message resonates on so many levels for me.
    As I told you years ago, you are always welcome to visit us across the pond in Michigan. Our home is always open to overnight guests.
    God Bless you and your family.
    Rich

  32. Merry Christmas to you and your family John. Also to Jeff, his family, and his trained cats.
    I appreciate all the hard work that goes into the columns and podcasts year in and out. I also want to wish all of the guest writers and subscribers who post and comment regularly to the articles a Merry Christmas as well. Sometimes the comments section alone is worth the price of admission.
    JG

  34. For those who have the courage to stand up for the truth to fight the evil that exists in this world by publicly calling it out in their writings and columns.
    We pray for you JK.
    Merry Christmas to you and to all.
    A savior has been born.

  37. Very heartwarming John. Let’s all pray for everyone mentioned here. 2025 is looking bright and America needs to heal and come together. Thank you for writing every day and week. Keep going old friend.
    Robert B

  39. And we are thankful for the rare columnists like yourself who remind us of the apolitical God-given truths that are crushed beneath the slanted verbiage of the writers with a beam in their eye. God bless and Merry Christmas!

  41. John,
    Thanks for another great masterpiece that you inspire us by. It’s been uplifting to us all to see you speak the truth, and you tied your column today with such meaning especially with it being Christmas 🎄.

    Have a Great Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2025!

  43. John Kass is wonderful in his writing of stories, both fact and fiction. But, none the less, he is a great writer and a journalist first class. This column, at this time, is and was one of my total favorites, thank you John Kass for this wonderment of drawing in, with dignity plus, the life you lead in Orthodoxy while still, relentlessly, giving these words, political and spiritual, to us so that we can pass them on. Merry Christmas to you, Betty and the young men you have brought into this world. God bless you with the continued wisdom and perfection of facts and truth to make us understand more of what the issues really represent. All our best.
    Tom

  45. Mr. Kass,
    You have such a good philosophy of life and a keen observance of human behavior. That’s the reason your readers love your words and respect your opinion. I was really moved by your article and wish you and your family the best.

    Merry Christmas

  50. Each year you set a new standard for yourself with this column; it never fails to summon tears running down the cheek and a heart full of of gratitude that pushes the sorrow and conflict of the world into a dark corner, at least for a short time. The most joyous of Christmas celebrations to you, Betty, and the entire family along with warm memories of Zeus bringing smiles to your faces. Thank you for making this column part of Christmas memories.

  54. Agreeing with you in your prayer. Amen and amen!

    (…. no… I’m not crying… my eyes are just kind of leaking….)

    Thank you, Kass. God bless you and yours. <3

    1. Merry Christmas John & Betty. Enjoy family and friends today and we hope you will be “autobahning” again soon!
      A Savior is born,
      The Naperville John & Betty’s

  55. John: A very happy and blessed Christmas to you and your family and may you continue your return to full health and keep writing all those great columns!

  57. Thank you John. I’ve read this column for more years than I can remember. It’s a reminder to cherish the good times and to reach out to those whose good times may have passed. Merry Christmas!

  59. John, this by far is your most powerful piece each year. With each person(s) that you mention, I can see a face. Many a times we all have experienced these same scenarios. By the end I am sobbing and asking the good Lord for forgiveness, mercy & compassion for those less fortunate & to those who must work on this most Holy Eve & day. How blessed I am. Merry Christmas to all!

  61. John:

    I had been a subscriber to the paper until your ‘departure’ and believe I have been a subscriber to Johnkassnews since Day 1.

    I have also been experiencing the same challenges you have been fighting the past months. Heart bypass surgery, defibrillator/ pacemaker dislodgment, numerous tests and retests, and as I found out on Tuesday (Christmas Eve) upon my discharge from my most recent hospital stay, I will be embarking on the next series of tests to address my heart condition this coming January.

    I pray I can be an example to others, especially my family , as to how to approach life when challenges surface. Believe it or not you have been an example to me in your recovery efforts.

    I pray for my recovery and then think of the St. Jude’s Children, Shriner’s Children , The Tunnel to Towers and Wounded Warrior Veterans. These heroes and their support staffs make my health condition pale in comparison. So, I must be grateful the Lord has given me another chance. I’d better make the most of it by loving and serving others.

    Thank you and continue in your ministry, and it is a ministry.

    Merry Christmas. By the way, spent Christmas Eve with daughters and grandchildren at their home in St. John.

  63. John,
    A little bit late, but a Merry Christmas to you and your family.
    I’ve been reading this column for many a year and it always is a fresh as the new fallen snow. And I agree, it is a prayer. Thank you so much and God bless you and yours in the coming New Year!

  64. To the person who criticized you on Facebook for raising our political consciousness about naming who was responsible for the untold suffering they caused on the southern border, I would say there is no way to pray for their souls and stopping this plague of monumental political negligence without laying blame. Their suffering was unnatural and demonic and Jesus implored us to not overlook who did it.

  65. John, in an age when most Chicago journalists have devoted themselves to promoting evil–or at least, have been silent and therefore complicit in it–you have devoted yourself to promoting good. Thank you for that, from a former journalist! Merry Christmas!

  66. Thank you, John. You are a true sculptor working in words instead of marble producing a work as beautiful as Michelangelo’s Pieta. You have both a good heart and true talent. Please continue your inspired columns…forever! Merry Christmas and God Bless you, your family, and your readers.

  69. Thank you, John, for such a beautiful prayer. Belated Christmas greetings to you and your family and best wishes for very good health in the New Year! We need you for priceless columns like this one!

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