Photo by San Francisco Examiner
What We Celebrate
The fact that He—existing for all eternity, having created the entire universe, all that we see, feel, and imagine, and even those things that are outside the reach of our sense and sensibilities—would stoop down to our level, to take on our weak flesh, entering into our fallen humanity, into our broken world, into the dark abyss of our sinful nature is more than our hearts could ever have dreamed of. Yet, it is important to notice that He doesn’t come as a knight in shining armor. He comes not in a miraculous display of glory and power, rather in humility; He makes Himself vulnerable, entering into a dangerous situation— powerless, penniless, having to rely completely and totally on His parents for His survival.
He says nothing. There are no insightful words to share. He does nothing. His only actions are to cry and nurse at His mother’s breast. There are no miracles, no wondrous signs to reveal the power of God among us. His power is of another type, it is the power of His presence. His simple presence enraptures the world, calling shepherds to worship, kings to adore, and angels to sing! He is Emmanuel, God among us!
God Who Lives among Us
The season of Christmas is my favorite of the year. It brings me great joy to celebrate goodness, fraternity, and peace to all. But even though these are great things, the real gift is the coming of Jesus Christ. The incarnation of the eternal God—His coming in the flesh—was a turning point in the history of humanity. His birth turned the world upside down, changed everything.
Yet during this Christmas season we celebrate not only this entrance of God into our world, but the coming God into our lives. I reflect on the fact that just as He entered into our humanity with nothing but humility, so He entered into my life.
Six year ago, as I sat alone in the pew, oblivious to what went on around me—the words had no meaning, the people were distant, my heart was dead—He entered into my life, without words or miracles. He simply was. His presence, His nearness was all that my soul needed. At that moment I didn’t hear a voice from Heaven or witness any great signs or wonders. What I experienced was the presence of God. I knew at that very moment that God was real, and that He was with me. Emmanuel, God is with us. This simple encounter was the beginning of an incredible journey.
If you have yet to experience an encounter with the living God, we are praying that this Christmas season may provide you with just that opportunity. May God bless you. Merry Christmas!