December has come, and with it, all the joys of Christmas. However, its true meaning is not just about the stockings and gifts under the tree, the lights in front of homes, the star, the crib, the cards we mail, the WhatsApp messages, yummy sweets and meals, and the shouts of “Merry Christmas” between houses and to those we pass on the streets.
Christmas is the celebration of the incredible love of God the Father for us. It is the story of God becoming a human being (The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us) in the person of Jesus Christ. It is the greatest act of humanity; God did not send His Son Jesus into the world to condemn us but to save the world through Jesus. God wanted us to spend eternity with Him. He gave us His Son to take the punishment of our sins, which Jesus did so perfectly. What a wonderful God we have!
The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of God’s priceless gift of Jesus Christ to us. As it is said, “Jesus is the Reason for the Season.” Let us ponder on the other reasons for this season:
Mother Mary: The Christmas story began with Mary – a shining example of what humility and submission truly look like. She was willing to be used by God, no matter what it cost. She did not even mention the possibility of being looked upon as an adulteress and how people would view Joseph, to whom she was engaged. She endured all, from the birth of Jesus and His sufferings up to the Cross. She stood there witnessing His death, then His resurrection and ascension, and was again overshadowed by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. She is an important “Reason for the Season.” Mother Mary is the Queen of Heaven and Earth. She is at the right hand of her Son and has the power to intercede for us – to bring our prayers to Jesus. She is concerned about the salvation of us sinners. She is considered a Co-Redeemer with Jesus Christ due to the unique role she played in God’s plan for our salvation by saying “Yes” to be the Mother of God. This Christmas, let us make Mary our beacon of light and rely on her continuous intercession through the powerful weapon of the Rosary.
Silent Joseph: Mary was engaged to Joseph, her soon-to-be-husband. When told about Mary’s conception, he was hurt and confused, but the Angel Gabriel visited Joseph and told him, “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. She has conceived by the Holy Spirit, and now she will bear a son. You shall call Him ‘Jesus’.” This is the only word St. Joseph is known to have spoken in the Bible. Joseph, a just, obedient, patient, respectful, and trustworthy man, silently took on the role of caring for Mary and Jesus. This Christmas, let us remember St. Joseph’s role in God’s plan for our salvation. Let us pray to him for his qualities to be in our sons and daughters. Like Mary and Joseph, the more we humble ourselves in prayer, the more open we become to hear God telling us where to go and what to do for others. He will surely take care of us, so that we are free to take care of others.
ADVENT
When we use the word “Advent,” we think of Christmas, but the word has a particular meaning. It means “COMING” – a three-fold coming of Jesus. Firstly, in His birth at Bethlehem, then His perpetual presence in the Eucharist and in the Sacraments, and thirdly, His final coming and judgment, when He will reunite Heaven and Earth once for all.
Advent covers four Sundays that lead to Christmas Day. This year, they are on December 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd. These Sundays are marked with a wreath that has four candles – three violet and one rose-colored, surrounded by greenery. The first candle is lit on the First Sunday of Advent. The following Sunday, the first and second candles are lit, and so on. These candles symbolize Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, respectively.
Advent is a time to reflect on Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, so that we do not lose the sense of the sacred by being distracted with what the world tells us is Christmas. Our Lord Jesus wants our sins, our anger, our unforgiveness, because He doesn’t want anything to come between us and Him. Confession can get rid of it – let Jesus take over and bring you healing. We cannot do anything without His help.
I wish you and your family a blessed Christmas. May Jesus, the Lord of Peace, give you His peace at all times and in every way.
December 2024 marks the silver jubilee of Pormoll. I congratulate the entire team for their endeavors to give us every month subjects that pertain to our faith and that are relevant to our daily life. There I have much love and dedication involved for each issue, that reaches is in time. I began as a reluctant writer, but with time I began to learn, understand and believe in the truths of our faith. I appeal to you readers to continue reading the articles and encourage your family, friends and neighbors to do the same.
J. Rodrigues