CHRISTMAS IS ALLOWING OURSELVES BEING LOVED BY GOD
That God loves us is something that we believe and celebrate. But that we allow ourselves to be loved by Him it is neither so clear nor easy. The reason is because our pride and selfishness prevent it.
This is why I was stricken by a statement I saw this Christmas season on a board in our parish of Catia, in Caracas (Venezuela). The message displayed is very simple, almost childish, but quite deep. It reads in Spanish: ¡Navidad es dejarnos amar por el Niño Jesús! [Christmas is allowing ourselves being loved by the Child Jesus]
To my mind this message contains the key for the coming Christmas festivities to become either a joyous season or, on the contrary, an annual routine. Everything depends on whether in contemplating the incarnated God we allow ourselves to be loved by Him.
This explains my decision of adopting this message as the motto for my Christmas greetings this year. And I translate it into a wish, namely, that we may bring to our lives with humility and generosity a bit more of passion, understanding, goodwill, and appreciation for others. These elements would suffice to transform our Christmas season into joy.
May the Birthday of the Child Jesus bring us peace and joy.
Thank you very much for your greetings.
¡MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED YEAR 2015!
Fr Javier