Merry Christmas

It is my sense of responsibility to a dedicated group of readers which prompted me to write this short blog entry while sitting at the airport in Salt Lake City, Utah. I was on my way to Reno, Nevada from New York after the morning mass at St. Basil Malankara Catholic Church, Queens, New York. Three hours at the airport was enough to continue reflecting on a topic we were meditating last three weeks.

Christmas is one week away and we are making the final preparation for our celebration of the birth of the Lord. There were many who were waiting for the coming of the expected Messiah in Israel. But his birth was contrary to their expectation. He was not born in a palace like any other kings. Joseph and Mary couldn’t even find an inn or even a house. It was not because they didn’t search but every place they searched was filled with people because of the census. The One who created everything had no place to be born. This was just the prefiguration of what would be happening in the life of Christ. It was also the sign of the kind of savior he would be. One who doesn’t need much, but willing to give everything. The divine glory is hidden in the poverty of this child in Bethlehem. He extends his hands to us, not to take anything from us but to give everything including his own life for us. The manger is so small that one has to kneel down in order to enter and see Christ. Only those who have faith can come to this level of understanding. Only those who can humble themselves can experience the incarnate Son of God. This child is God’s precious gift to humanity. God has given us the best possible gift he could give – his own Son. Our response in receiving this gift is to give ourselves completely to God.

The shepherds were simple people. But at the same time they were willing to listen to the voice of God and were ready to make the journey to see the real shepherd who would lay down his life for the sheep. The wise men were wise enough to seek for the wisest.

 

Now we would be willing to admit Jesus into our homes, cities, nations, cultures and every area of our life situations. If the emptiness of our hearts and the spiritual barrenness prevent us from experiencing Christ, then St. Augustine reminds us:  “Wake up O man! For your sake, God became man”.