A Christmas reflection from the archives:
At the vigil Office for the feast of the Nativity the 2nd reading is from the writings of Pope St Leo the Great. These words resonated with me and I’m still reflecting on them:
“Nobody is an outsider to this happiness. The same cause for joy is common to all, for as our Lord found nobody free from guilt when he came to bring an end to death and to sin, so he came with redemption for all. Let the saints rejoice, for they hasten to their crowns; let the sinners be filled with joy, for pardon is offered them; let the Gentiles be emboldened for they are called to life.”
As we face another unusual Christmas at the end of a second challenging of years it’s helpful to reflect on the complete inclusivity of the Incarnation. The pandemic has taught us much about the people pushed to the margins of our society, turned into outsiders for a whole variety of reasons. We’ve discovered how costly this can be, not just for the people who are pushed out, but for all of us, who are left impoverished by the lack of their presence. We’ve also found out that, in the crisis created by the pandemic it’s often been those people who have kept our society functioning and essential services going.
This brings me back to St Leo’s words and the very centre of the Christmas mystery. There are no outsiders in the generous love of the Incarnation. The coming of Christ is open to everyone, includes everyone. There can be all sorts of differences and disagreements, but no exclusivity, Christ’s coming into the world is for everyone…And that is the source of the joy that fills us at Christmas, even in these hard times.
What joy is Christ bringing into your life this Christmas?