God is so in love with us that he wanted to become like one of us, not to put himself lower but to lift us up higher. In love, he willed to become part of our human story, in order for us to become part of the Divine story. In love he was born for us because he wanted us to be part not just of the ‘Good story’ but of the ‘God-story’.

This is indeed worth celebrating and worth rejoicing. Let us endeavour this time therefore, to encounter in a more real and personal way the Lord who has come to live with us and to live among us. We can meet him intimately in every celebration of the Eucharist. We can meet him personally in the guise of our sisters and brothers especially those who are poor, weak, vulnerable and marginalized.

Let us remember in our prayers, especially those brothers and sisters in many parts of the world whose Christmas is not as joyous as it should be, by reason of war and conflict, persecution and violence and false ideologies and acts of terrorism. Let us pray for our families too that Christ be welcomed into our homes and be given a space in the Inn of our hearts so as to honour him who is the real reason for this season. Let us altogether pray and work for peace, starting in our own lives by forgiving those who have wronged us, by being generous with our time, talent and resources to those who have less, and by bringing Christ and his message of peace, joy and love to others. Let all these be our Christmas presents for the new-born child in the manger.

I wish you all a very happy Christmas and a grace-filled new year!

Fr. Shibu Joseph sac
20.12.2017