In the instant that Jesus was born in that manger, time and eternity changed. Even the little letters which divide our history into two great eras reflect the reality that everything has changed: B.C., (Before Christ) and A. D. (Anno Domini, the year of our Lord).
Christmas affected our personal lives in a dramatic way, too. Christmas brings the joy of knowing the nature of God. Christ was and is Immanuel, God with us. The joy of having access to a divine mediator is now ours. Christ is indeed our great High Priest, merciful and faithful to his flock. Today, having satisfied our need for forgiveness, He makes constant and effectual intercession for us. Therefore, our access to peace came through His birth as well.
Still anther joy we celebrate at Christmas is the joy of our conscious adoption into God’s family. As children of God by faith in Christ, with His name upon us and His spirit in us, we are welcomed, loved, and cherished members of His family.
We also celebrate the kindlier graces, the fruits of the spirit which Christ provides to each of us through the Holy Spirit. He said, “Blessed are the meek…Blessed are the merciful… Blessed are the pure in heart…” To follow Christ is to exchange the harsh and hard way of the law for the way of love.
Finally, this Christmas let’s celebrate the eternal flame of hope that was kindled that long-ago morning. The birth of Jesus was the earnest of our expectation - of a day to come when the Son of Righteousness will reign in glory!
This Christmas, the world is one year farther away from the birth of Christ but one year nearer His blessed return. Merry Christmas, from our house to yours!
Noli Timere,