Christmas Message 2015

 
This same hymn, which the Angels chanted on Christmas night, we repeat today with joy and gratitude, dear Brothers and Sisters, as we celebrate the Divine Liturgy and live the Nativity of Christ as a current event within the mystery of our Church.

We praise God for the inconceivable miracle: "The Father willed it; the Logos-Son became flesh and the Virgin gave birth to God become human."

According to the will of the Father, the Son and Word of God takes human flesh by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, to save man from our tragic circumstances: from decay and death. The human mind cannot contain the size of the condescension of God nor comprehend His love for humanity.

Our Lord did not take on our own flesh to control us, to judge us, or condemn us. Instead, He came to reveal God the Father—the source of life—and to reconcile us with Him. He came to restore the peace of God in our world that is troubled from sin.

"Christ came and brought the good news of peace to those who were far and to those who were near,” writes the Apostle Paul (Eph. 2,17) and "He really is our peace" (2.14).

As we witness growing hostilities in our neighboring countries, the big question is asked: how is it possible to spread the peace of God on earth? The response is clear: Through justice and respect towards people, their property and their culture. Yet no matter how obvious, the answer is so difficult to implement. It is necessary for Christ to be born in our hearts and minds. This is the way in which all those who believe in and follow Him become workers for peace—with their behavior, decisions and initiatives. Jesus ‘ teaching is clear in the Beatitudes: "Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God."

Perhaps many will wonder what they, the faithful, can achieve within the terrible disruption of our region? Sudden explosions of bombs on our streets, murderous attacks on public buildings with innocent victims, wars, disasters, millions of refugees! Within such a flurry of tragedies how can peacekeepers themselves remain peaceful, let alone struggle for peace around them?

The Evangelist John reminds us that "the whole world lies under the power of the evil one” (I Jn. 5,19). And our Lord warned: "Occasions for stumbling are bound to come" (Lk. 17,1). As Satan works in the world, wars and upheavals will continue. But despite all the wars threats and risks, those who truly believe in Christ keep their hearts peaceful because Christ himself dwells within them, the "Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Counselor" (Isaiah 9 6). Confident of God’s strong protection, Christians repeat with the Psalmist: "Even if I walk in the shadow of death, I am not afraid, for you, O Lord, are with me" (Ps. 23.4). "God is our refuge and strength ... through Him I am not afraid " (Ps. 44: 2-3).

This peace of soul is not apathy, indifference, or escape from reality. It is, instead, deep faith in the crucified and resurrected Christ, who is the first and last word in history, the Lord of hosts, who gives courage to the faithful struggling and hoping. This peace radiates into the surroundings and transforms it. St. Seraphim of Sarov said something very important that is perennially true, and particularly so in our turbulent times "Acquire peace in your soul and then thousands around you will themselves find peace."

Let us be ever ready, dear brothers and sisters, to accept Christ into our existence with the mystery of the Eucharist, to calm us and grant us peace in the most adverse situations. "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4.7).

And with faith, devotion and love toward the Son of God, Who became incarnate for our salvation, let us become peacemakers, true children of Jesus Christ the Lord of Peace.