“For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.” Luke 2, 11

As Christians who live in a time where everything outside has often more transcendence than the inside we must not celebrate a date where material gifts are simply exchanged, but commemorate this with the birth of Christ. This is where our salvation story really begins.

But what does the presence of Our Savior mean?

Christmas is the mystery of the incarnation of the Son of God. The birth of Jesus is the encounter of humankind with love, a free and eternal gift from our Creator. We celebrate that we are not lost but that God in the simplicity of the everyday becomes one of us and is with us.

It is important to celebrate with the family. Or like us, who are far from ours, seek to share with those we chose as our family: the table, the traditions of our countries and music among other things and for the wonderful gift we receive in that little boy translates into joy and expression of love also among us.

But at the same time this celebration has a deeper sense of renewal of the heart because with this wonderful gift of God made human we are invited to reflect.

This fragile baby teaches us not only that we need to become small to be welcomed, supported and protected in the hands of Our Creator, but also invites us to imitate that tenderness God in approaching the reality of others to understand and accompany them.

Because Jesus was born to all that humankind is thirsting for deep peace and merciful love. A love that can make hope grow in us and that is sometimes hidden, almost imperceptible. And we are the ones who must transmit that message. We must allow ourselves to be driven under that same light that once guided the shepherds. (“I am the light of the world” John 8, 12). And so together with the fatherhood of God comes brotherhood and sisterhood with all humankind.

Helen NDS, novice
Ein Karem 01.01.2019