We can contribute to the peace on earth that Christ’s birth heralds.
As the Advent Season concludes and we immerse ourselves in the joy of
Christmas, we are captivated by the breathtaking scene of the Nativity. The
Gospel of John on Christmas Day beckons us to explore the profound mystery of
the Incarnation: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” The
concept of God taking on human form, is a wondrous departure from the
simplicity of the Nativity scene – Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus surrounded
by humble animals. The Incarnation signifies God’s love and grace in a way that
we can understand; it is a scene that fills us with a sense of awe and reverence.The presence of animals in the Nativity scene is symbolic and thoughtprovoking. Placed in a manger, the Baby Jesus shares His first moments with
creatures like the cow, the donkey, and the sheep. The cow, often associated
with sacrifice, foreshadows Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice for humanity. The donkey, a
beast of burden, represents how Jesus came to bear the weight of our sins and
infirmities. This setting invites us to ponder what these animals might have
sensed about the newborn Child. Despite their temperamental and stubborn
natures, it is conceivable that they instinctively recognized the divine presence of
their Creator.This is the heart of Christmas: the mystery of God becoming human,
embodying vulnerability and tenderness. As we reflect on this scene, we are
reminded of our call to embody these virtues. Created in the image of our Savior,
we are to imitate His example by bearing the burdens of others with tenderness
and compassion. Through acts of love and sacrifice, we can contribute to the
peace on earth that Christ’s birth heralds.Christmas is a time when the divine intersects with the mundane and the
eternal meets the temporal. The Nativity scene, a microcosm of this truth,
reminds us of the transformative power of God’s love. As we gaze upon the
Christ Child, filled with a profound sense of hope and inspiration, we are
encouraged to awaken our tenderness and extend it to those around us.Dear brothers and sisters, in this Christmas Season and in the coming New
Year, let us strive to live out the message of the Nativity. By embracing the spirit
of sacrifice and compassion, we can actively contribute to nurturing peace in our
hearts, families, and communities. Each of us has a role to play and through our
collective efforts we can make a difference. May the story of the Incarnation
inspire us to be bearers of light and love in a world that deeply needs both.
Wishing you all a blessed and joyous Christmas filled with the peace and hope
that the birth of our Savior brings.Fr. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor