I have used the title for today's post rather than the usual word "Christmas" because I feel the need to emphasize some detachment from the secular idea of Christmas which continues to be distorted and debased by retailers and advertisers. The mystery of the Incarnation is great and to power it draw us into both the mystery of God as well as wonderment at how human beings are able to respond to God's love as they do. In the readings for during the night the prophecy of Isaiah speaks of a royal child who will be named "Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Is 9: 9). In the gospel Luke tells us of the birth of a little baby in a manger to a couple of Jewish artisans descended in the line of David but living in obscurity. The story could have ended very soon especially if King Herod had managed to kill the boy. Nevertheless, by the end of the New Testament we hear of that child being described as the Lamb who is both "Lord of lords and King of kings." (Rev. 17: 14) The Gospels relate how this comes about in due course however at Christmas we have an opportunity to contemplate the lowliness of the Christ-child and his parents. The wonder and promise of new life is evident not just in Jesus but in every new life brought into this world.
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