WORD BECAME FLESH

It is a great privilege and pleasure to share some reflections on the solemnity of Christmas. At the outset I am most beholden to God for having given us this wonderful opportunity to assemble as one family to celebrate the divine Presence, Emmanuel (God-with-us).

The angel said to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid, for see — I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah” (Luke 2: 10-11). Therefore, do not be afraid, but rejoice because the Messiah is born in the city of David. Christmas celebration is the festivity of joy, blessing of peace, beauty of hope, spirit of love, comfort of faith and community of fellowship. It is also a time of healing and renewing our strength.

However, Christmas is a blend of joys and sorrows: it is joy for those who have more, but it is sorrow for those people who have not; it is joy for shopkeepers, but sorrow for parents who don’t have extra money to buy gifts for their children, family and friends; it is joy for drunkards and addicts to make merry, but it is sorrow for their families. It is joy for coming together as one family, but it is sorrow for those who miss their loved ones due to unavoidable reasons. Amidst these confusions, conflicts, contrasts and confrontations; the question which needs to be reflected upon is, ‘what is the real message of Christmas?’

For some people, the true meaning of Christmas is warmth and love of their families; a celebration of home/homely atmosphere. For some, the real meaning of Christmas is love for the other or good will towards men and women. For some, it is singing of carols; and for some, it is making a fabulous, attractive and charming crib. But the real meaning of Christmas lies in the doctrine of ‘incarnation’ or “word becoming flesh” or the transcendental God becoming immanent God. ‘Word becoming flesh’ does not mean that we have to learn to be fleshy. It means that we become more like God in our words and deeds. In other words, Jesus has not come to appreciate our status of life in which we live; rather he has come to give us a life that cannot be achieved through our flesh.

Therefore, the ultimate aim of Christmas is to recognize the presence of God, as three wise men recognized the Presence in the least expected place (manger). How to recognize, where to recognize and when to recognize is not the matter of our thought. For, the Real Presence is with us (Emmanuel). Recognizing the Self through the self is a greatest challenge. If I am able to recognize it, I automatically become light to the other. This will ultimately enable us to build up our community with love, friendship and fellowship. Recognizing the divine presence in our community will enable us to find the Presence in the little ones, poor, downtrodden and marginalized. This is the real Christmas, and this is the greatest joy. This joy is being communicated through our external activities. Let us recognize the Presence in little ones and enjoy the Christmas with a meaningful celebration.

Wish you all my well-wishers and readers 

Merry Christmas 

and

grace filled New Year.

Raju  Felix  Crasta