Beloved-in-Christ!,
You and I have every reason to rejoice because “the People in darkness have seen the great light,” says Isaiah; the troubled world has found true peace in the peace the King of Peace brings.
The depressed, the downcast, and the marginalized have found relief and comfort.
St Augustine of Hippo says, Oh happy fault(of Adam) that has brought our Saviour into our midst, where Christ shares His divinity with us in our human fragility and malleability, so to mend our broken relationship with God the Father, though not affected by our sins.
A true fulfilment of God’s promise and the prophecies foretold concerning the salvation of mankind.
To put it another way, the infant Jesus rewrites the salvific history of humanity by making visible the depth of the Father’s love for humanity. Such an unmerited and undeserving love that has offered us a new name and dignity as sons and daughters of the light.
A light that shines brighter than we ever thought of and ever imagined!
A light that dispels our darkened selves and shadows.
A light that invites us to bear witness to His wondrous act of salvation.
As we open our hearts to receive Him in our hearts, workplaces, and homes, the angel announces unto us once again the good news of His birth, leading us, as the star of Bethlehem, to the abode of the Child Jesus, the manager.
He says, do not be afraid, for Emmanuel is His name!. It means baby Jesus is with us to accompany us, show solidarity to us, assist us, and overcome all our hopeless and helpless situations with us with the light of hope and salvation He brings.
All we need to do is open our eyes wide and be fully conscious of His abiding Divine Presence in our lives, trust His faithfulness, and just give Him a manger in our hearts.
Do not be afraid in every aspect of your life, for Emmanuel is His name: God is with us now and forever.
And we do so, like the Shepherds, let us fix our gaze on Bethlehem, make a journey of faith on the path Our Lady knows so well than us, carrying our gifts, which in itself His own handiworks and gifts to adore Him and pay homage to Him in the perfect home of such a humble King.
A King who seeks not to be born in a Palace but in a manger, giving us a perfect example of who a true King is!
One who mingles with every calibre of His creature, experiences what they experience and walks with us, holding our hands as His dearest friends.
Indeed, it is undeniable that no one loves us better than Jesus, for there is no friend like Jesus! He shares our pain and bears our Crosses, making it light.
Emmanuel is His name! God is with us.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
By Rev. Fr Albert Kyei Danso
Chaplain
Holy Family Ghanaian Catholic Community Church
Italy
