The Nativity of the Lord

 As I typed the heading to this blog entry I reflected briefly on why it might be better for Catholics and, indeed, other Christians to speak of this feat as the Nativity of the Lord rather than Christmas. The latter term seems to have been highjacked. Sadly, it also seems to have been objectified such that it is possible for someone to "steal Christmas" or to "cancel Christmas." The Nativity of the Lord is an irrevocable historical and cosmic event: "In the beginning was the Word, and he Word was with  God, and the Word was God... The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. he was in the world, and the world came into being through him, yet the world did not know him... But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave the power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or the will of the flesh or of the will of man but of God." (Jn 1: 1, 9-10, 12-13) It is impossible for the world to go back to a time when Jesus was not born. he has changed the whole nature of our reality through his incarnation. This is the source of our joy - that we know him and believe in him and that his life is in us. His glory, which has existed eternally in the life of the Holy Trinity, is shone into our hearts and no-one can steal it away from us: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope .through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.. Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls". (1 Pt 1: 3-5, 8-9) 

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all readers of this blog a happy Nativity of the Lord and a blessed New Year.