By Fr. Glenn Jones:

Ah … ’tis Christmas eve. Such a joyful—if hectic—time of year. Cooking, traveling, decorating. Eating. Christmas must keep all the sugar producers in business. If I eat one more biscochito, I’m just gonna’ pop. Oooo … but there’s some fudge! And peppermint bark!! Oh, don’t watch; this ain’t gonna’ be pretty.

Yep … for a great many, everything is just a bit lighter this time of year. Yes, of course there are many undergoing the rigors of sadness and hardship; those things enter into all of our lives, some having greater burdens than others. Thus the great charity—not to mention an evangelizing opportunity—when we can assist those with such struggles as best we can especially this time of year—to help lighten their load a bit. As is often said, love multiplies when it is shared; thus such sharing is a benefit to all. Even grumpy ol’ curmudgeons (ahem!) appreciate a bit of thoughtfulness toward them … though they may be reticent to show it. And goodness knows that the lonely certainly appreciate a visit. One of the sadder statistics is that many elderly rarely even get to speak to anyone (LINK); wouldn’t it be such an act of charity to remedy that … even a little. Not to mention that such gives example of charity and teaches the little ones to be charitable as well.

But, of course, the reason for the season: the remembrance of Jesus’ birth some 2000 years ago—the true reason for all the celebration and joy. We Christians believe that Jesus is not only the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies of pre-Christian Judaism, but much more—even the divinity itself deigning to become incarnate—to become human (thus the moniker “Son of Man” in the scriptures). Not only that, but even coming in the humblest of conditions—the Creator of Heaven and earth coming to us in all poverty and, in doing show, manifesting to humanity the supernatural value and virtue of humility. Thus also His birth is announced to the poorest of the poor first of all—the shepherds of the field (Luke—and yet to be given homage also by those known for wisdom—the so-called Magi, or wise men (Matthew 2:1-12) )

Thirty years later John the Baptist, who had gained much fame and notoriety, and whom Jesus would describe as “…among those born of women there has risen no one greater” (Matthew 11:11), would likewise humbly surrender his rising position in recognition of Him who truly deserved it, declaring “He must increase, and I must decrease” (John 3:30)—celestially imaged this time of year as, just after the winter solstice, the days—the light—are increasing.

The accompanying theology of all of this is, of course, impossible to explain adequately in a short media column, but suffice it to say that its underlying truth has moved billions to become believers over the last two millennia, including some of the most brilliant men and women who have ever lived. Even today Christianity accounts for approximately two billion believers in the world. What a joy it is to think that our Christmas celebrations do not only extend to the past in our own localities, but throughout the world.

What draws people to faith? At least initially, it tends often to be the manifestation of Christian charity and kindness, just as the lack of such BY Christians can turn people away due to the  seeming hypocrisy. Such is why it’s so important to not just be “Christian” when convenient or when in church, but to really live in accord with those two great Commandments: loving God first and foremost, but also loving one’s neighbor as oneself. Being willing to give one oneself for the good, benefit and/or succor of the other. Such living is not recognized only by Christianity as worthy, but by virtually every other culture and religion in the world. Else we can digress into Scroogism—self-centeredness and caring little for anyone else. How sad a life.

As we remember Jesus’ birth, we expand our reflection on how He lived—the opposite of selfishness—the humble retiring carpenter until His manifestation to the world in His preaching mission. And we remember also during this time His mother’s acquiescing humble trust in God, surrendering her own will to the divine will with an immortal declaration: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; be it be to me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38) Mary thus expresses the perfect life in a single sentence: utter trust in God and in His will, as she would later affirm: “Do whatever He [Jesus] tells you.” (John 2:5)

We tend to complain about the slightest discomfort, but Jesus as divinity in the flesh worked and sweat, was cold and hot, hungry and thirsty, worn and weary…and despite the great divine love He demonstrated to so many eventually to be  reviled, tortured and killed, naked and nailed to a cross. Now…who would want a God like that?! … unless He were truly God? And if that’s the case, it is futility to go anywhere else. As Peter declares: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life; and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:68-69)

So let us rejoice in this Christmas season and throughout the new year … and, indeed, throughout our lives. Because for those who are faithful, regardless of the difficulties of life, our champion has gone before us and won the battle; we need only follow His banner  wholeheartedly. And rejoice, for “In him was life, the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it … The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world … [and] to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God … (John 1:5,9-12) … “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

Yes, God loves us beyond our imagining; if only we could learn to love one another. Yet … have a most blessed and joy-filled Christmas. And, in the words of Dickens’ Tiny Tim: “God bless us, every one!”

Editor’s note: Rev. Glenn Jones is the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and former pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Los Alamos.