Christmas is no doubt the most joyful season of the year. This is true for every part of the world. Although many who celebrate Christmas today exclude its religious meaning, it still remains for them a period of great joy. But no matter how people try to deny the religious dimension, the joy of Christmas remains a special divine gift to all humanity. What makes the period joyful is that it celebrates the birth of the Prince of Peace who has changed the history of humanity.
Every other thing we do at Christmas is a consequence of this singular historical act of salvation. The psalmist of today sings it, “All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God” (Ps 98:3). The joy of Christmas is experienced in its fullness only when we recognize the reason for that joy. Give honor to the one who owns the feast. We can do by spreading his love and peace to all far and near.
Good Tidings of Peace
Peace remains the greatest gift of Christmas. The first reading from Isaiah 52:7-10 announces with joy the triumphal return of God to His people as King and Deliverer. The passage expresses the beauty of the messenger who brings the good news of peace, which is the fruit of God’s reign and presence among His people. The text was written to offer hope of deliverance to the exiled Israelites in Babylon. They are invited to see the coming victory with the return of their God in their midst in Jerusalem.
This prophecy becomes fully accomplished with the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem at Christmas. It is no longer a joyful piece of news to only Israel, but the greatest news of peace and joy to all humanity. The Angel announces it to the shepherds, “I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” (Luke 2:10). A multitude of angels adds to message by chorusing, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” (Luke 2:14). This solemn proclamation of joy and peace at Christmas remains an abiding message of great hope to our society today passing through many experiences of pain and hopelessness.
Jesus as Light in a World in Darkness
The first reading (Heb 1:1-6) together with the Gospel of today (John 1:1-18) present Jesus as the true light that illumines the world. He is the radiance of God’s glory and the ultimate communication (word) of God to humanity. This light was in the world right from creation but not all recognized him.
Christmas is, thus, the birth of God’s word in human form and the manifestation of the divine light. It is this light that guides the whole of history. It is this light that brings the joy of Christmas. This light inclines nations and cultures to choose the path of peace and walk in it.
Jesus is God’s complete message to humanity, and that message is both grace and truth. When the Gospel of John 1:17 says that law came through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus, it means that in Jesus we encounter God’s love, mercy and forgiveness, which surpass the demands of the law. Grace is unmerited favor while truth is God’s faithfulness and reliability. In Jesus, we encounter the God who loves and keeps His word despite our weaknesses.
Spreading the Joy and Peace of Christmas
The message of Christmas is one of love for all humanity. The joy and peace proclaimed are for everyone. But in the realities in which we live today, many find it difficult to find joy and peace. Our duty as Christians and as ambassadors for Christ is to make his joy reach out to others as much as we can.
Spreading joy and peace wherever we find ourselves is the best way of celebrating Christmas. This can mean sharing our resources with the poor and needy. It can mean sharing comforting words to those who live in pain and sorrow. It can mean visiting the lonely and abandoned. Or, it can mean praying for God’s intervention in the lives of others. Above all, it means spreading love, showing some kindness and spreading forgiveness. We pray that the joy and peace of Christmas may abide with us wherever we are!
