By Rev. PB Lyngdoh
Christmas is not simply a time for singing carols, giving presents and merrymaking. It has a deeper meaning.
The joy of Christmas emanates from the mystery of Christmas. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth…”
This passage from the Bible makes clear that the son of God became the Son of man in order that we the sons of men might become the sons of God. He was born of Mary after the flesh so that we might be born of God after the Spirit. He took our human nature that we might be partakers of His divine nature.
To read the Christmas story with the eyes of faith and with spiritual understanding will kindle within us a spirit of genuine devotion and bring us to our knees, lost in wonder and praise.
Hence the Christmas festival is essentially a call to worship. On the first Christmas night, the angels burst forth into songs of praise and gave glory to God: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among men of good will with whom He is pleased”.
The shepherds followed their example; for after they had found the babe lying in a manger, they returned to their flocks “glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen”. So their faith showed itself in action. They did three things: first “they came with haste” driven by a sense of urgency in the light of the revelation they had received.
Second, “they found the babe lying in a manger” in accordance with the sign the angels had given them. Third, “they made known the saying which had been told to them concerning the child”. So they came, they found, they told. Faith leads to obedience. Obedience results in discovery. Discovery expresses itself in testimony.
May the Humility of the shepherds, the Faith of the wise men, the Joy of the angels and the Peace of Jesus Christ be God’s gifts to us this Christmas and in the New Year.