Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalms 97(98); Hebrews 1:1-6; John 1:1-18
Christmas Salvation for All
Dear friends, today is Christmas Day, the most celebrated day in the world. For many, Christmas is a time for agape gatherings with families or friends. For Christians, it is the time to re-live the birth of Jesus, the Son of God, who came to redeem the world from all kinds of slavery. In many cities, you will see decorations everywhere and people making merry. This tells us that the birth of Jesus brings good tidings to all irrespective of whether they believe in him or not. What does Christmas mean to you?
Christmas and Easter are the most significant events that the world has ever seen as far as Christianity is concerned. If Christ was not born, we would still be slaves to sin. Again, if Christ was born and did not die and resurrect, then St. Paul tells us that “Our faith would be futile” (1 Cor 15:12-14). Some think it is absurd to believe that God could become human. The answer is simple: If one believes that God is all-powerful, and can do whatever he wills, and he is the one who created the universe and all that exists, it cannot, therefore, be absurd to believe that God could make himself human. Do you still doubt that God was capable and indeed became man?
Last night we celebrated the most glorious of all nights when Christ was born to the world. Today, we wake up to the Good News that our salvation has been born in Bethlehem (our hearts). We all must make haste to go and worship him like the shepherds and the Wise Men from the East did. Christmas is the day when God, out of his absolute love for us, decided to become like us in all aspects except sin, so that we could become like him regaining the lost image and likeness. Since creation, God has always put you and me first in his love though we sometimes do not put him even on the list of our priorities.
When high-ranking men and women in our society come to visit, we run helter-skelter to make thorough and expensive preparations. We do this to show them respect, please them, impress them or win their favour. But how do we prepare for the coming of the son of God, who we call every time we are in trouble? How do we prepare for the days we go to worship?
We may say that we are followers of Christ but if our actions cannot prove it, we are simply liars, and the truth is not in us. Jesus cared for and served everyone who encountered him regardless of who they were. He sought to save the poor and the rich, the learned and illiterate, the mighty and the lowly. He did not seek his own gain but the salvation of all men and women. As we work for our individual and family needs, we must always remember our obligation to work for the common good. Some people live and die without ever doing anything for anyone without expecting personal gain or reward. However, many others dedicate their entire lives to serving and working for the good of others. Have you ever sacrificed anything for anyone in your life?
By our sins, we fall short of God’s grace and are separated from Him and our neighbor. However, God does not abandon us but rather keeps on beckoning us to come back to repent and renew our relationship with him. The reading from the Hebrews says that in the olden days, God made many attempts to redeem humankind through the prophets. However, the grip of evil seemed too strong on the people. The fallen humanity could not opt for God in that state of disgrace. The Word of God spoken through many prophets to no avail had to “become flesh and dwell among us”, to bring true freedom for humanity to be able to opt for the good.
This is the great news that Prophet Isaiah says, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of one who brings good news”. As the world faces many challenges including man-made wars and natural disasters, also instigated by human activities, Christmas is bringing this message of hope that God is renewing his presence in our midst. The Psalmist reminds us that “Our Lord is King” and “All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God”.
During Christmastide, we are called to be the heralds of good news to those around us. To those who are hungry, the good news must include something to eat. To those who are sick and abandoned, our presence and prayers will be Christmas to them. To those in frustration and brokenness, our solidarity. To those oppressed and enslaved, we must speak out and seek justice for them. Let us not be mongers of hatred and division. Like John the Baptist, we are charged with the responsibility of ushering Christ into the world and letting his light shine to discard the darkness.
Dear friends, Christmas is the greatest gift of God to humanity. The birth of Jesus made it possible for us to become truly free from the slavery of sin and eternal damnation. God is our Father who does not delight in seeing us going astray. Today as we celebrate the birth of Christ, let us heed the call to return to God and help those who have gone astray to understand the merciful love of God for them.
Merry Christmas
Fr. Lawrence Muthee, SVD
SVD JAMBO KENTAN 