By Most Rev. Dr. A. Stephen, Bishop of Tuticorin –
Christmas has become world renowned festival because of its centrality on one man known as Jesus. He embodies in Himself the fullness of God and fragility of man. God’s overflowing love for humanity and the world is manifested in sending His only Son into the world as man.
Godly Son becoming man cannot be sufficiently understood and explained. The Church coined the word ‘incarnation’ to clarify this mystery. Jesus is fully God and fully man. The two natures find a perfect combination in Him.
The Church has always mediated upon this mystery of incarnation. She interpreted it in the light of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection. She had been shocked by the sheer ignominy of the Cross, its disgusting and despicable significance, and its scandal. It was difficult for her to proclaim all of a sudden, the glory of the Cross so far, considered a curse.
But His resurrection gave His death a new meaning. Through these events the birth of Jesus was contemplated in a radically new and profound way. Thus the Jesus‟ birth achieved a heavenly height and it had been sustained that it had a universal effect.
Now this feast, after the economical and ‘global market’ revolution, is celebrated with unimaginable display of colours and decoration, variety of food products and ornaments, garments etc. Although this festival smacks of opulence, business and various other ways of activities which are contrary to the spirit of Christmas, one cannot forget other activities like sharing, renewing friendships, family gatherings, reconciliation and above all, helping the poor, the marginalized, the refugees and extending a healing touch to thousands of people who need consolation and relief.
Thus Christmas has become a universal festival and everyone has a share in it. Jesus belongs to everyone.
Though Jesus was rich he emptied himself and became poor, so that by His poverty we might become rich (cf 2 cor 8:9) is the extraordinary statement of St. Paul.
This asserts the unfathomable significance of Christmas. Incarnation always reminds us of our obligation of being close to God, to the poor and the downtrodden.
Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all dear Fathers, religious, sisters and my dear people.
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