For the past four weeks the Church has been engaged in special prayers to prepare spiritually for the great feast of Christmas. Already there is a festive atmosphere around with lights and decorations put up and people wishing each other: “Happy Christmas.”

How are we called to celebrate this event?

The first aspect of our celebration is to give glory to God. During the Mass a hymn of praise is sung repeating the words of the angels when Jesus was born, “Glory to God ... and peace on earth” (Luke 2: 14). With the birth of Jesus earth is united to heaven and we join the angels in praising God. The birth of Jesus invites us to get our focus right. Our joy is because our saviour is born and so we give glory to God. God has done something wonderful for us.

This act of glorifying God must continue in our daily life. The good news of Jesus’ birth touches the poor, the neglected and those who are suffering. Christmas is a time of bringing joy to those for whom life is difficult. Even in our own neighbourhood there will be some for whom Christmas will not be so joyful — possibly because of the death of a loved one, or some crisis or painful situation. There are these beautiful customs at Christmas of showing our solidarity with those who are grieving or struggling, by visiting them and bringing them some sweets, or giving household provisions to the needy. May God be glorified through acts of kindness and generosity.

The second concerns the way God comes to us. A few years ago, Pope Francis referred to the birth of Jesus as the ‘revolution of tenderness.” God does not come to us with power and might, or as superhero from outer space. He comes as a little child (Luke 2: 12), with tenderness and innocence, with simplicity and love.

At Christmas the nativity scene, i.e., the scene of the birth of Jesus, is often displayed. As we gaze at the image of the Christ child, we realize that God’s ways are astonishing, It seems impossible that God should forsake heavenly glory to become a human being like us. To our astonishment, we see God acting exactly as we do: a child who plays, learns, grows. God’s ways are beyond our understanding and often God does what we least expect. We are called to be open to the God of surprises,

Christmas is a feast of great joy. For each one of us and the whole family as we experience the joy of family togetherness, for the Church as we gather to praise God for the birth of Jesus, and for the world as we pray that God will bring true peace. We rejoice that God comes to be with us. The Son of God is born of the Virgin Mary. It is indeed a celebration.

God bless you! Happy Christmas!