Christmas

A Christmas Message

bishop Gerard Bergie

Of all the prophets we find in Sacred Scripture, John the Baptist has to be one of the more fascinating. In fact, Jesus states that of all those born of women, he is the greatest (Luke 7:28).  He lived in the wilderness and was dressed in camel skin and ate locust and honey. John was also a fiery preacher who understood his purpose in life. He states clearly that his role was one of preparation, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God” (Luke 3:4-6). He recognized that he had to help prepare the way of the Lord. A significant part of this was to encourage people to remove the obstacles that prevented the Lord from entering their hearts.

One of the greatest expressions of love is freedom. Loving another should never involve manipulation or control. We see this so clearly in our relationship with God. We have been given free will and we are able respond to God without coercion. God invites us into a relationship; however, we have the freedom to reject the invitation. We can put up barriers that prevent the Lord from coming to us. This is why the message of St. John the Baptist is so important. We need to remove the barriers and invite the Lord into our hearts.

Today Christians around the world are celebrating the Feast of Christmas. On this day we will joyfully commemorate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ the Lord. Even though he was born in a simple stable in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago, the significance of this event remains meaningful and relevant. The reason is because each Christmas, Jesus wants to be born in the hearts of all believers. When we prepare the way and remove the barriers, he comes to us bringing love, joy and peace.

From a spiritual perspective we can say that at Christmas, Jesus is looking for a “stable” relationship with us. He wants us to be that manger that welcomes him providing warmth and comfort. We have the awesome privilege of becoming the resting place for our God. And yet, the truth is that from that place deep within us God is not idle. God is actively transforming our hearts.

We have a glimpse of this transformation each Christmas. People seem to be more generous, loving and joyful. Sincere efforts are made to spend time with family and friends in a spirit of joy and thanksgiving. There are countless examples of selflessness that inspire hope and a belief that peace on earth and goodwill to all may be possible. What we need to do is make it last.

This becomes possible when we repeatedly bring down the mountains, fill in the valleys, and make the crooked ways straight and smooth. Then we will we ensure that Jesus is born in our hearts every day. He will work at transforming us so that we can transform the world into a more faithful reflection of God who is love. Then we will be able to enjoy the peace, joy and hope found in our Lord’s birth for more than just a day.

The true meaning and beauty of Christmas is found in a “stable” relationship deep within us. The challenge is to release its power throughout the year!

Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

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