Christmas has silently faded into history like a melting snowman on a warm sunny day, and the New Year has welcomed us like a sweet grandmother embracing her grandchild after months of separation.
By the time we celebrated the feast of the Epiphany, all the lovely Christmas trees and decorations, including the manger scenes were packed away, and most people will likely give little notice, if any, to the coming of the three Wise Men; when Christ reveals himself to the Gentile world.
Now that the Christmas "rush" is over, and things are beginning to return to normal, we need to take time to reflect on what really happened that first Christmas, and ask ourselves if the birth of Christ has been relegated to a mere historical event, or does our contemplation of this incredible happening have a spiritual impact on our lives?
As New Year's Day was coming to a close, I made my way into the dark, empty church. Lighting only the manger light, and enveloped by the silent darkness, I tried to envision the plight of Joseph and Mary as they sought shelter in the cold stable; for it gets cold in Bethlehem, and how lonely they must have felt; so far from home. Not only were they cold and alone, they were also facing the imminent period when Mary was to give birth to Jesus; God becoming man.
Enjoying the luxuries of modern day, I can not fully appreciate the inconveniences they endured. Even though I can vividly recall my childhood days when we had no electricity, or indoor plumbing and only limited heating by means of small woodstoves, I can only fantasize what they experienced.
Year after year, we read this marvelous event, recounting the birth of Jesus. We enjoy recalling the account just as we do reading some moving novel, favorite biography or heart-rending story, but it does not make much of an impression because we have never experienced such deprivations. We are physically spoiled and enjoy manifold conveniences, unavailable for a vast number of people throughout the world.
Only when we prayerfully contemplate the mystery of Christmas are we capable of experiencing any spiritual impact in our lives.
Jesus becomes one like us in all things but sin; God, come to dwell among us in order to pay the price for our sins; to share his love with us. Jesus leaves the perfect happiness of Heaven and endures the trials and sufferings of Earth, to enable us who endure our trials and sufferings on Earth to enjoy the perfect happiness of Heaven where we will share an eternal love relationship with him. What impact does this great love have on us?
Christmas comes at the end of the year; did we prepare well for his coming throughout the year? Our real "Christmas" comes at the end of our lives when we will encounter Jesus in the fullness of eternal life; will we be prepared for his coming?
Christmas precedes the beginning of a New Year; the New Year gives the opportunity to begin a new life of grace. Our death precedes the beginning of a new life. The birth of Jesus brings new life to us; sinners. Our "birth" at death brings new life to us; saints.
The feast of Christmas has passed, and the New Year has begun, so now we, like the three wise kings, are to follow the "star"; the light of our faith, as it leads us along the rough and dangerous route, through a world of sin and temptation, to Heaven where Jesus dwells. Let us join the three kings in offering gifts of gold, our love; frankincense, our worship and myrrh, our lives to Jesus our Lord and King. Have a blessed and peaceful new year as you listen, love and live with Jesus!