Once again, Christmas is here

The Savior’s birth is commemorated by another Christmas. Once again, Christmas is here. Jesus is about to be born into a pure heart, and we are preparing our own for that birth. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of the Son of God on earth.  It was through the fathers that God spoke through various channels in the past, but it was ultimately through his Son that he spoke.  That’s what made Christmas special. God’s love received in human hands is Christmas. When the entire creation of the universe sleeps under the blanket of snow, a Christmas night filled with carols, Santa Claus, and starlight is celebrated by churchgoers. Even though there are many celebrations occurring around us, there is no celebration that makes us feel as excited as the Christmas festival. Christmas is the only festival that has the same level of excitement internally and externally. How many times have we been to crib? But we are not only not tired yet, but we are also all looking forward to Christmas coming soon as well.

What is Christmas in simple words?

We are once again celebrating Christmas. Peace is the theme of the festival. Humanitarian love is the essence of Christmas.  Its message is that we should love one another. Christmas is the birth of Jesus, who dreamed of liberating the oppressed and downtrodden. In addition to being a symbol of immense mercy, Christmas also symbolizes sacrifice. Today, when love, care, and compassion for others are on the decline, the message of Christmas is especially relevant. The starlight of Christmas brings joy, peace, love, and simplicity into our dim lives. Each year, we have an individual message to share at Christmas, a unique message. Since the first Christmas, every crib, star, and cake has a story to tell.

Christmas -Completion of prophecies

Christmas was the fulfillment of prophecies. For a long time, the people of Israel had been waiting for a Savior. The prophets had revealed it in the Scriptures. People who knew the Scriptures were waiting for that Savior.

“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots, a Branch will bear fruit”. (Isaiah 11:1)

“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. (Jeremiah 23:5)

Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14)

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me  one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” (Micah (5:2)

The first Christmas

During an era of declining good news, Christ, who came to us with the true news of joy, calls us to be good news by our lives and actions. When Jesus was born, the heavenly angels sang a hymn of praise to God. “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14). Who was this baby? The Lord of the Heavens came down to earth with a message of peace and tranquility. Jewish people have been waiting for the Messiah for centuries. However, when this Jesus was born and came to earth, no one at the forefront of the mainstream religion of the day understood it.

A Divine plan

There were many human ambiguities in the divine plan for Jesus’ incarnation. “And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women”. (Luke 1:28). The virgin Mary became very upset when she was told that she would be the mother of the Son of God since she was engaged to be married to Joseph a descendant of David. In spite of this, Mary submitted herself humbly to the plan of God. Despite her human emotions and conflicts, Mary believed God’s will must be done. Holy Mother was a mother who meditated on God’s mysteries. Verse 51 of the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke says: “Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart”. Mother was focusing on everything in her heart, praying and meditating. A mother meditating on the secrets of God’s salvation plan. Christmas has to be experienced not simply through looking at infant Jesus, who was born in a crib but by allowing him to birth in our hearts and minds.

The righteous Joseph

When we analyze and study the life of Joseph, who was chosen by God, Jesus’ foster father, we learn this truth. There is no record in Scripture of Joseph saying anything. This Saint had innumerable virtues that could be written about in volumes. “Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly” (Mathew 1:19). The law that existed among the people of Israel was well known to Joseph. This law seems to be absolutely cruel. In order to guarantee the well-being of the family and the survival of the society, the Israelis held marital fidelity in such high regard. We can only imagine the mindset of Joseph, who finds it hard to make decisions regarding this law. Matthew highlights two factors that motivated Joseph to make this decision. The first was that Joseph was righteous and the second was he didn’t want to humiliate Mary. As an explanation of the adjective righteous, the second adjective is added. Saint Joseph and St. Mary provide an excellent example for those of us who live the Christian lifestyle.

Joseph’s loving ministry

During this time, Francis Papa introduced us to the lovely photograph Let mum sleep. In the middle of the night, Joseph wakes up and holds the baby Jesus in his arms. The picture clearly represents an attempt not to wake up the tired Holy Mother. Meditation in front of this picture will generate a lot of thoughts.  As a result of the long journey of the day and the exhaustion of childbirth, mother Mary is very tired. it is clear that Joseph did not wish to wake up the sleeping mother. Also, Joseph is really tired. Yet he saw Mary’s disability and took all the steps he could to help her. It was Joseph’s loving ministry to Mary that caused the angels to sing the song of peace in the cattle shed. An innocent baby Jesus lies in the arms of a young lady named Mary, and a young, righteous man named Joseph. In the middle of these two saints, God is incarnate. This baby made the angels sing, made a new star shine in the sky. This baby was God’s own son who had come to change the world. This baby was like no other one, this baby was God with us and this baby is Jesus. Let us try to be a little more generous and kind this Christmas. Recognize that the good I do without anyone knowing is my true good.

Two well-meaning individuals

It is an inspirational testimony to live in silence like this Holy Father. Joseph was a man who relied on God in the face of doubts, crises, and adversity. Mary, who experienced similar life experiences, displayed loyalty and obedience to God in each and every verse that she said. As Joseph and Mary understood their first and foremost mission was to protect the incarnate God, they were willing to make any sacrifice to fulfill it. Let us strive to preserve and nourish God’s life, realizing that he lives in all of us. Let us take a vow of guardianship of the divine life through our words, deeds, and actions with Jesus’ blessings, may peace and tranquility fill the entire world.

What comes to mind when we hear Christmas?

How do we imagine Christmas when we hear the word? The crib, star lanterns, gift baskets, Christmas Pappa, and cakes will remain in our memories forever. How many times have we made the cribs? Isn’t it funny how many times we go in front of it and stare at it for so long? It doesn’t matter how much we see; we’ll always look forward to next Christmas. Everyone enjoys receiving and giving greetings at Christmas time. On the eve of Christmas, a Christmas tree is decorated with balloons, bells, colored bulbs, and stars. Some gifts for the children will also be hung on the tree.  Christmas trees have been a tradition in Germany since the 16th century.  It is said that the Christmas tree was invented by Martin Luther, a Christian priest. In the seventeenth century, it spread to the United States and then to other countries.

Christmas cards and gifts

Traditionally, we used to send Christmas cards to our family and friends. It served as a public expression of love and joy. Our postman was a frequent visitor at Christmas time. The times have changed and the story has changed as well. The cards all have a digital format. With just a few clicks, it can be sent to anyone, anywhere, anytime. It is doubtful if receiving a digital card brings the same joy as receiving a traditional greeting card. Gift exchange is another important part of this wonderful festival. Today, we live in an age of ready-mades. Growing numbers of people are purchasing Christmas cribs, stars, and cakes from the store.  All of them are of the same size and shape. Neither is there a difference nor is there anything unique about it as it was in the past.  As a result, it is not interesting to watch. The crib from last year has been dusted off and the stage is set for new Christmas. As a result, we do not encounter new experiences and joys.

Here are some thoughts on Christmas

• The New Year is drawing to a close, and we must believe that,
• No matter how rough the world may be, there is a God who will hold our hands.
• In order for Christmas to be a meaningful experience, and a celebration of the New Year, first Christ must be born in me.
• My presence of Christ in me must then be evident in the family and business community in which I am, and I must spread the message of good news among them.
• There is a mission for every Christian and it is “to make Jesus, the Son of God, known to the world”
• One does not become a Christian just by attending church once a week and drawing a cross on their forehead on their knees.
• The purpose of religion should be about goodness, culture, opinion, recognition, and mutual love and respect.
• In the work you do as a religion, God must be reflected in you.
• Become a human first, then a believer.
• When we realize that everything we go through in life is God’s plan for our good, we become like Mary and Joseph.
• As long as I bear witness to Christ and allow Christ to arise in me, that is the true joy in the life of faith.
• If that happens, the joyful songs of the angels will resound around my family and at work.
• Imagine if we could make the environment we live in even more positive with the way we live and the way we act? 

                                                                                                                                                       Image credit: Canva.com

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