Merry Christmas… Still!
That’s right, it’s still Christmas!
We are in the part of our liturgical year called the Christmas season, which goes until January 8, when we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord. We find ourselves immersed in the profound mystery of the Incarnation—the miraculous moment when the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. It is a time of joy, celebration, and contemplation for the Catholic faithful, as we reflect on the wondrous gift of God's love.
The season invites us to journey with Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, to witness the humble birth of Jesus in a stable. This image of the Holy Family reminds us that God often chooses the most humble and unexpected places to reveal His glory. In the midst of our own challenges and uncertainties, Christmas reassures us that God is present, even in the humblest corners of our lives.
Christmas, as a season, calls us to contemplate the significance of the Child Jesus in the context of salvation history. The long-awaited Messiah, foretold by prophets, has arrived. In the vulnerability of an infant, God enters into the human experience, sharing in our joys and sorrows. This divine humility challenges us to embrace our own vulnerability and recognize the dignity inherent in every human life.
As we gather in prayer and worship during the Christmas season, we are invited to open our hearts to the transformative power of Christ's love. The light of the Nativity dispels the darkness of sin and despair, offering hope and renewal. The warmth of the Christmas story calls us to extend that love to others, fostering unity, compassion, and generosity within our communities.
The Christmas liturgical season also invites us to reflect on the role of the shepherds and the Magi. The shepherds, simple and ordinary, represent the marginalized and the humble, chosen by God to be the first witnesses of the Savior's birth. The Magi, on the other hand, embody the seeking hearts of all humanity, drawn to adore the newborn King. Together, they remind us that Christ's love is universal, reaching out to both the lowly and the wise.
Even though the gifts have all been given and the festivities may be done, let us not forget the greatest gift of all—Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, God with us. The Christmas liturgical season calls us to encounter this gift with awe and gratitude, allowing the reality of the Incarnation to shape our lives and relationships. May our hearts be filled with the joy of Christ's presence, and may we, like the shepherds and the Magi, be transformed by the profound mystery of Christmas.
