The scriptures are replete with prophecies of this moment, one of which is found in the First Reading, by the prophet Isaiah: “For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests.  They name him Wonder-Counselor, Mighty God, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.”  As we well know, all of these attributes of the Word-made-flesh, can be summed up in his Name, Emmanuel, “God-with-us!”  God identifying with us, as the scriptures rightly points out: “He was like us in all things, except sin!”

When all was still and Bethlehem was in darkness—which reflects our present society and world—a brilliant light shone: the Creator of the universe became incarnate and eternally joined himself to our human nature, becoming truly human in all things, except sin, while at the same time remaining “God from God, and Light from Light.  This is the Mystery spoken of long time ago, and now made real for us and for our salvation.  Yes, Christmas is just too good, too beautiful, to be true!  

Contemplating this Mystery, the Holy Father exclaimed: “Christmas is the encounter with a new-born baby, wailing in a wretched grotto…Contemplating Him in this crèche how can we not think of all the children who still today, in many regions of the world, are born amidst such poverty?  How can we not think of those newborns who have been rejected, not welcomed, those who do not survive because of a lack of care and attention?  How can we not think of the families who desire the joy of a child and do not have this hope fulfilled?”

Then, reflecting upon present day realities, much of what we also experience in Jamaica, the Pope went on to say: “Unfortunately, under the drive of a hedonist consumerism, Christmas runs the risk of losing its spiritual meaning, reduced to a mere commercial occasion to buy and exchange gifts.  Actually, however, the difficulties, uncertainty, and the economic crisis that many families are living in these months, and which affects all humanity, can truly serve as a stimulus for rediscovering the warmth of the simplicity, friendship, and solidarity that are the typical values of Christmas.  Stripped of its materialist and consumerist trappings, Christmas can become the opportunity to welcome, as a personal gift, the message of hope that emanates from the mystery of Christ’s birth” [Benedict XVI, 17/12/08].

(c) copyright, 2008,  roman catholic archdiocese of kingston, jamaica, west indies