Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (LK2:14). Let me quote here our late Pope Saint John Paul II, he wrote “the mystery of the birth of Jesus that took place more than 2000 years ago must be lived today and every day. The Word that found a dwelling place in and through Mary comes to knock on our hearts this Christmas and every Christmas, today and every day.” After reflecting these words of the late Pope I feel God does not leave us alone in our human experience, with its struggles, trials, and moments of loneliness as well as its peaks and joys because he was with humanity from the very creation onwards and He is with us now (EMANUEL) and He will be with us in the future. There is nothing in our lives that we can’t share with God, nothing too insignificant or too overwhelming to bring before him in prayer. And if we do this, not only will we be comforted; we will begin to share in His divine life, and will see his favors (hope, peace, joy and love) resting on us.
Christmas is a mystery of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. Christmas is a mystery of Hope because Isaiah says (9:1) “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned”. The one who has hope lives differently and is granted the gift of a new life. Christmas is a mystery of Peace because from the cave of discouragement, but sow the seed of peace. Christmas is a mystery of Joy because the shepherds described the event as “a great joy for all the people”. Christmas is a mystery of Love, because the love of the heavenly Father is seen in this event, and He has sent into the world His only-begotten Son, to bestow on us the gift of his own life so that all humanity will be saved. The Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ is a revelation of true and eternal peace. Through the birth of Christ, the path of our reconciliation with God is made visible and possible. The ancient promise made to Adam and Eve, to Abraham, Jacob and Isaac and many others is fulfilled. All that was foretold by the prophets has happened. God became man and dwelt among us, and with his eternal light he removed the darkness caused by our sin. Finally he paved the way to salvation for all. Therefore, before God’s unconditional love let us stand with all humility and say THANK YOU GOD for this great opportunity to celebrate Your Son’s birth in our life again, and for all the blessings that you bestow in our life. May the Light of Christ always bless and shine in our world and fill our homes and families. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!