“WHAT GOOD IS IT FOR ME IF MARY GAVE BIRTH TO THE SON OF GOD 1400 YEARS AGO AND I DON’T GIVE BIRTH TO GOD’S SON IN MY PERSON AND MY CULTURE AND MY TIMES?”

 MEISTER ECKHART

In the months preceding December 25, we may find ourselves in debates with others about the dates and times for getting into the festive spirit: when we should put out our Christmas decorations, when the first carol can be sung or played, or whether department stores and coffee shops have put their Christmas displays up too early. Everyone has an opinion!

The Gospel collections reflect this dichotomy of opinion. For Matthew and Luke, extensive stories that surround the birth of Jesus preface his adult life. The richness of their recitations provides us the important images of the season: the journeys of Mary and Joseph to and from the City of David, the appearance of angels proclaiming the Good News, the pilgrimage of wise elders bringing iconic gifts, and the multitude of shepherds paying homage to the newborn baby. On the other hand, the authors of John and Mark waste no time in launching into the mission and ministry of an adult Jesus. They put no weight or importance on the infancy stories of Jesus.

The inclusion of the nativity stories is important. They begin two of the Gospels for good reason. The word ‘Gospel’ derives from Greek origins that translate as good news. The birth of a baby is definitely good news! The Good News was firstly recognisable by the fulfilment of signs and hopes that the people of Israel were watchful for. People were waiting for a Messiah, a person who would save them from oppression and bring fulfillment to their lives. Many of the signs were manifested in expected ways, and others communicated the deep revelatory and revolutionary nature of Jesus’ birth. This baby was not the political leader that many people were anticipating. It is the very presence of God, fully human and fully divine! The season is one of joy, peace, hope, and love because all of these virtues are worth marking and celebrating.

Understandably, the periods that surround Christmas can be times of fatigue and exhaustion. The season is more than a time of gathering with family and friends, or the buying and exchanging of gifts. If the celebration of the season is solely focussed on the consuming elements of presents, food, meals, and shopping, it can easily feel empty. The joy of Christmas remains in the core of the season: to celebrate the good news of a child who grows in strength and wisdom to further proclaim the good news of the Reign of God by word, action, and example. God is with us!

From: Firewood for the soul, vol. 2, A Reflexion Book for the Whole Vincentian Family
St. Vincent de Paul Society, Queensland, Australia.
Text by: Samantha Hill.