WE CAN HAVE A CHRISTMAS WITHOUT THE CELEBRATOR?

Christ Jesus our Lord, that on this day we remember embodied in our humanity and history, manifests the fundamental mystery of all the Christian mysteries that are related to our salvation.

 

 

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Christmas it is among the most loved and celebrated holidays in the world, because it is universally considered a moment of joy, of family reunion and sharing.

Cities in every part of the globe light up of glittering decorations, the Christmas markets are full of typical products of this period and the houses are filled with the scent of traditional dishes. But this Solemnity can be celebrated, specifically Christian, without mentioning the reason for the party? It is true that Christmas creates a magical atmosphere, but we can be satisfied with just this or let the commercial component prevail, without remembering the reason for this occasion, that is, without inviting to the party the One who is the reason and the reason for so much joy and peace desired and invoked?

We can have Christmas without the Celebrant, Christ Jesus our Lord, which on this very day we remember embodied in our humanity and history, thus manifesting the fundamental mystery of all the Christian mysteries that are related to our salvation? This is precisely the angelic message brought to the shepherds on the holy night of Christmas:

"Fear not:: there, you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people: today, the City of David, is born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (LC 2,10-11).

A merely "consumed" Christmas cannot be enough and satisfy us in the party or in the dishes, even if this is done with family or friends. Indeed, precisely the preparation of the latter, delicacies of all kinds that fill our Christmas tables, of panettone or pandoro, traditional Italian desserts of the period, that divide the sides of lovers of one or the other, they send us back to slowness, to that care that requires time and dedication, respect for tradition and patience.

So our faith also needs as much passion and care, especially when faced with the all-to-be-adored mystery of Jesus' birth. It cannot be overshadowed by the commercial aspect, from the frenzy of shopping Christmas looking for the perfect gift for the people dear to us. Nothing can obscure the message of love, hope and redemption that Christmas brings with it. Yet also the preparations, if done with love, with due attention to their meaning, they can help us keep alive this important aspect of the Christian faith which corresponds to the Incarnation of the divine Word.

Rediscover the authentic spirit of Christmas also through the things that are done in this period, in the family or in the Christian community, setting aside the purely worldly spirit of the celebration to live every occasion with deep faith and sincere love among ourselves and towards the Lord who was born in Bethlehem. Do simple things together, how to prepare the foods that will go on the table, take care of details to ensure that everyone feels welcomed and loved. Not forgetting sharing with those who are poorer or less fortunate, because precisely in this circumstance we can reevaluate and give significance to the virtue of charity, since it was precisely out of love that Christ was born for us. And then read Christmas stories, among all the Gospels of the Nativity, which make us understand the purpose and meaning of this mystery; and participate in the Christmas Mass to understand through liturgical action and prayer how much the Lord loved us by coming among us.

How precious it is, to this end, presence at home and obviously in Church, of a nativity scene. Widespread throughout the world, it was born right from us, thanks to the religious genius of Saint Francis who in 1223 he created the first living nativity scene in Greccio. Each figure of the nativity scene and the symbols hidden in it have a profound meaning of faith and culture: help tell the story of the birth of Baby Jesus.

It would be nice, as happens for example in religious Jewish families on the occasion of Passover, that also in Christian families, in front of the Nativity scene, the little ones were told the reason for those figures, of those poses and how the gift of the eternal Father was given to humanity, Baby Jesus light that brings salvation to the world, has passed through the availability of some people, particularly Joseph and the Virgin Mary.

Mary is the Mother that we perceive in the attitude of love and dedication: they recall his faith which abandoned itself to the divine will. St. Joseph, with his stick, it is the right silent and full of strength, placed to protect the family of Nazareth, figure of a Church to come. Immediately after the shepherds, which are located near Bethlehem, symbol of humility and simplicity. First to receive the announcement of the birth of Jesus and first to approach the mystery: they anticipate the future calling of the people, among which the humble and simple will stand out.

And how can we not mention the Magi, who arrive from afar guided by the star. They bring precious gifts: air, frankincense and myrrh, which help us meditate on kingship in advance, on the divinity and even on the future suffering of Jesus. Even the presence of the Magi in the nativity scene underlines the universality of the Christian message, which embraces every people and culture. Then the angels, which overlook the Nativity scene, they announce the good news of the birth of the Lord. They sing: «Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth to the men loved by the Lord», bringing a message of joy and hope. Finally, the star, who guides the Magi to the manger, symbol of divine light and grace that illuminates humanity's path towards salvation. Even the animals present in the nativity scene have their own spiritual relevance. The ox and the donkey, often depicted next to the manger, they represent patience and industriousness. According to tradition they warmed the Baby Jesus with their breath, thus indicating the simplicity and generosity of nature.

The nativity scene and every aspect linked to Holy Christmas, no matter how trivial it may be, It has its own meaning to which we can give the right value in order to help us understand Christmas today, although they have passed approx 2024 years from that Event. Even traditional things can marry with the innovations of modernity and what is apparently ancient in truth has a validity that never fades. Thus Christmas does not appear as a celebration of only consumption or lights, but it conveys a profound and beautiful message, full of hope for men and for the whole of creation, which never fades and which does not expire with the passage of time. God loves us and remains with us, this is why He sent His Son Jesus, born for us.

 

Santa Maria Novella in Florence, 25 December 2024

Christmas Day

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