The
Grade 1 children looked beautiful as they re-enacted the nativity play on
Monday.
I
love this time of year. But I can’t
help but wonder what is in the mind of others as they rush about in the
busyness of Christmas. I wonder if they understand what this story is about:
the fulfilment of a promise that was given thousands of years ago, about the
God of our faith taking on human flesh, human nature – to walk with us in our
weakness and strength, to be born, to live, to die, to hope and dream, to be
hungry, exhausted, alone. Do they understand how this mystery of the
incarnation is not a one and only event but a living experience in each of our
lives, of how this single event becomes a moment at the fulcrum of history? Do
they see the evidence in our world today of this grand visitation in our human
story? Do they know of God’s love, his salvation?
There
is a reason that we Christians have made the feast of Christmas such a huge
celebration: it is because we share the deepest hope that the incarnation will
transform who and what we are, so
that we come to know a part of what God knows. Indeed Christmas is not only
about the birth of Jesus, about God becoming human, but is equally about
humanity, us, becoming divine. We gain an insight of what is possible for me,
for you, for all humanity. So why would Christmas not leave us standing in awe?
My
dream is that those children who played Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, angels and
wise men will grow in understanding of who these characters are and what they
represent to all of us. Mary, the instrument, the Amen of God’s becoming human;
Joseph, the nurturer and protector who links the Davidic promise with Jesus;
the shepherds, the poor (us) of the world who are invited into the new reality,
the new kingdom; the angels: acknowledging the divinity of the newborn; and,
the wise men who have read the ‘signs of the times’ and who have awaited the
arrival of this child who heralds a new era.
Yes,
let our Christmas trees be laden with decorations and gifts be piled beneath
them. The responses on our children’s faces, the excitement, glee, amusement
and joy are just minute snatches of what awaits us. To see them is to see the
face of God.
From
my heart I offer you the warmest of Christmas blessings. Enjoy, be safe and
take care.
1 comment:
Just beautiful, Padre!
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