The Nativity of Our Lord

The Nativity of Our Lord

The Gospel of Cf. John 1:1 states, “In the beginning was the Word (Logos).” This powerful declaration connects us to Cf. Genesis 1:1, which proclaims, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” The Apostle John intentionally bridges the two, reminding us that before creation, there was only God. In this profound truth, we find the eternal presence of the Word, a divine essence that has always existed alongside God.

The concept of the ancient Greek word “logos” offers a rich perspective in both Jewish and Greek cultures. In Jewish thought, “Logos” is often associated with God; for instance, the phrase “In the beginning was the Word” from Genesis establishes this connection and underscores the reverence for divine communication. Similarly, Greek philosophers provided a profound interpretation of “logos,” viewing it as the intelligence that shapes and oversees the universe. This notion aligns with the idea of intelligent design, suggesting that everything in our world has purpose and does not occur by mere chance. Recognizing this intelligent designer, who embodies rationality and reason, helps us appreciate the intricacies of creation.

The Gospel of John invites us to explore these meaningful insights about God while anchoring us in our human experience. The Apostle John introduces the concept of “Logos” from B’reishit (Genesis) and highlights John the Baptist, who plays a crucial role as a witness to this divine message. He clarifies that he is not the source of light but rather points others toward the light, which is Jesus Christ. In verse 8, he emphasizes his function as a witness, preparing the hearts and minds of those around him to embrace belief in Christ. This constructive approach encourages us to acknowledge our place in this narrative and seek a deeper understanding of our faith.

Today we celebrate the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, marking one of the most significant events in the Christian calendar. Merry Christmas to everyone! As we gather with family and friends during this joyous season, we often find ourselves immersed in external preparations—decorating our homes with twinkling lights, adorning Christmas trees with beautiful ornaments, wrapping gifts to exchange with loved ones, and preparing a festive feast known as Noche Buena.

While these activities create a festive atmosphere and reflect the spirit of giving, it’s crucial to remember that they are merely external preparations. We must also engage in internal reflection and spiritual readiness.

Think of the “manger” in your heart, the sacred space where Baby Jesus can dwell. Amidst the hustle and bustle of our holiday preparations, it’s easy to overlook this inner sanctuary. We should take the time to nurture our faith, to open our hearts to the love and hope that Jesus brings, and to welcome Him into our lives in a profound way. After all, the true essence of Christmas lies not just in what we do, but in who we allow into our hearts. 

In a different country, we call the manger,sabsaban, אֵבוּס,praesaepe,manjedoura, pesebre, Rāng h̄ỵ̂ā (รางหญ้า), Kaiba oke (飼い葉桶), máng cỏ, Mǎ cáo (馬槽), pasungan. Still, in John 1:14 “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” This divine reason became flesh to take on human form and every year we celebrated his nativity.

However, the manger in our hearts is ready to receive Him, or perhaps still filled with cobwebs from last year due to our sins. Many have yet to convert from wrongdoings, seeking power, money, sex, and battling addictions to alcohol and drugs. Are we allowing the Logos to become flesh, represented by baby Jesus in a manger filled with dirt and cobwebs?

Christmas is not just about external celebrations; it is about internal preparation and genuine repentance. The Apostle John reminds us that in Him is Light and Life, and that life is available to you right here. You can choose to reject the light and remain in darkness, but God respects your choice. It is not His will for us to live in such a state. We need to choose light and embrace the life that comes through His Son, who dwells among us in the manger of our hearts.

So let us be prepared and welcome Him, allowing us to truly say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

For Reflection and Discussion:

1. Do I prepare the Mager in my heart?

2. Do I choose to live in darkness and death or choose light and life on this special occasion of Christmas?

Bibliography:  Donald Senior, ET Al; The Catholic Study Bible 3rd Edition 2010; The New American Bible, Saint Joseph Edition 2011;The Catholic Prayer Bible 1993; Brown R.E; An Introduction to the New Testament 1997 Gospel to John p333-382;

This week’s Sunday Liturgy Commentary was prepared by
Dunhill Malunar Timkang, Jerusalem – Israel, Bat Kol Secretary

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