CHRISTMAS: GOD WITH US
By our Pastor, Fr. Carmelo Jimenez
We have finished the time of Advent and with that ends the invitation to prepare and the song “come, oh come, Emmanuel.” The angels announce to the shepherds: “For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.” (Lk 2:11) and we can sing: “silent night.” Because today Light is born for all, extending to all peace, harmony and the common good for the entire universe showing us that this night is the time of salvation. And that brings us joy, and so we sing, because this night is a holy night that brings hope and the savior.
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.” (Is 9:1-2a) The prophet Isaiah announces joy to the people because for the people of Israel there is no more war, oppression, disloyalty or searching for gods that have no eyes or heart. A new horizon of light is opened to the people. Light becomes the symbol for the poem we hear. Light brings life, salvation; and for that reason the night is beautiful because tonight there is light.
Saint Luke the great writer, theologian and historian brings us a rich text that changes the course of history. Without the text we hear and the text we will hear during the masses during the day (Lk 2:1-21) we wouldn’t have Christmas. This is the foundation of the entire announcement of the Savior who has become “God with us.” The entire text narrates and interprets the significance of the birth of Jesus, the Savior, the Messiah and Lord in the city of David.
“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled.” (Lk 2:1) This text shows the authority of Caesar Augustus, owner of the empire, of the known world at that time. His decree mobilizes the oppressed and slaves of his authority and his power. Among his subjects were Jesus’ parents who had to begin a journey, and with Jesus in Mary’s womb as they travel. But before talking about the journey with Jesus I want to continue the reference to Caesar Augustus which should call our attention to the way that the god of the world wants to take a census, control, suppress and force the payment of tribute from all of those that reside in the land. That is why the message of Saint Luke announcing Emmanuel is considered the cause of an event of grace and salvation: God visiting those who have no rights or freedom. God visiting the entire world.
“Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” (Lk 2:10-12) The shepherds were also an oppressed people, but God chose them as messengers. They were possibly the most unworthy, but that’s been the case throughout all of history. God has made use those others saw as useless. He helps us understand that for God, when all is lost for those without rights, without names, with recourse to the law, he has a word for them and he visits his people. When Mary doesn’t find a place to give birth, the heavens show that nothing is impossible for God. The Savior, the Messiah and Lord does not even have a place in the city of David. Anyone who were learned would have said Jerusalem was the city of David, but the ignorant shepherds testify about the other city of David, the true one, the first one, that had lost its rank and its history.
Jesus continues his journey, coming out to an encounter, making himself God with us. As he did with John the Baptist and Elizabeth, as he did with those from Bethlehem, as he did with the shepherds, as he did with those from Egypt, as he did with the lepers, as he did with Lazarus at the tomb. And today he is incarnate in every man and every woman who is afraid, feels excluded, who feels far from home, etc. Today he is present and encourages us and brings us hope. May joy overflow from us and love reign forever. Merry Christmas!