The Birth of Christ

The birth of Jesus Christ reminds me that Jesus is living in me now.

Let us request the Holy Spirit to help us prayerfully reflect on Luke 2:1-20. The shepherds said to one another : "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us. So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger" The Lord gives us the good news that he has become one of us, so that he may save us from our sins and make it possible for us to live in love and unity, as God's precious children today.

At times we face hardships and difficulties. We feel depressed and weary. We know that there are many who are suffering more than we are. Yet, we cannot help ourselves. We need understanding and support from a kind friend who will accompany us and enable us to regain our lost peace of mind and soul. Or perhaps we feel guilty and helpless because we are trapped in selfishness and sin and cannot get out of the mess we are in. We want to be set free and to experience the peace of Jesus that comes from forgiveness and healing. Jesus is our Emmanuel today, our God with us.

The shepherds were simple men who lived on the fringe of society and yearned for companionship, love, respect and kindness. They found it in a place of peace called Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. They received the gift of faith to recognize the Messiah, the Savior in the helpless babe of Bethlehem. Mother Teresa invited her sisters to ask for faith to see Jesus in the Eucharist and Jesus in the poorest of the poor too. It is the same Jesus. He reveals himself to the little ones who ask in simple faith to meet him. He offers us true peace of mind, heart and soul. We will see ourselves and others through his eyes and are able then to experience companionship, love, respect and kindness.

The sophisticated and wealthy people in Bethlehem would not receive Mary and Joseph into their homes, so Jesus was denied entry too. Today also money, power, pride, sophistication, close the hearts of people to Jesus and prevent them from recognizing him in their midst. Likewise, anger, jealousy, hatred, unforgiveness, revenge, self pity, anxiety, fear and guilt prevent us from recognizing Jesus.

The birth of Jesus is celebrated at Christmas, once a year. But he wants to live always in our hearts and homes. We do not have to wait for Christmas. Everyday and all the while he is knocking at the door of our hearts. The handle to the door is from the inside. It is up to us to open the door and invite Him to enter. We open the doors of our hearts and minds to so much evil that brings with is unhappiness and misery, when we succumb to temptation. The prince of Peace cannot coexist with the evil one in our lives. If we decide for Christ, then we will also have the power from him to resist evil and do good. We will receive that Joy which Jesus brings to those who welcome him.

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