17 Decmber 2021
For the last two weeks, Christmas carols have been filling the air in our home and setting the mood for the yuletide celebrations. I have always loved Christmas carols! They tell us the whole story of what Christmas means: the birth of Christ in the little town of Bethlehem, on a silent, holy night; how the choir of angels sing in their angelic voices, proclaiming the glory of God and peace on earth, tidings of comfort and joy! How the shepherds on a cold winter's night, tending their sheep looked up and saw a Star, shining brightly in the East, and heard the angels' song of Noel, Noel and were led to the stable where the infant Jesus lay in a manger; how the three kings of Orient came to pay homage with gifts of frankincense, myrrh and gold, while up in the air, Heaven and nature sing, "Joy to the world" and all the faithful are called to come and adore Him, Christ the Lord!
Yes, Christmas is coming soon. In Orchard Road, the shopping belt of Singapore, the streets are all decked in full gaiety and brilliance! and Christmas carols playing over the PA system in the shopping malls lift up our spirits, making us all merry to revel in this festive season!
Such is the commercial Christmas.
In the midst of our busyness of buying presents and preparing the feast of turkey, wine and log cakes, let us not forget the Spiritual Christmas, the day God gave us the gift of His Son, who came in the form of a baby, born in a stable (because there was no room for them in the inn), wrapped in swaddling clothes by his mother and placed on a manger.
Guess who were the first privileged people to see the Holy infant? The poor, lowly, menial shepherds who were led to the stable by the angels. The second esteemed set of visitors were the three learned, wise men, led by the bright Northern Star. In their wisdom, they could recognize the baby lying on the manger as the promised Christ and they knelt and pay him homage.
Are we as privileged as the shepherd boys to be the first to see and welcome the baby Jesus this Christmas? Are we enlightened and humble enough to bend on our knees, like the three wise men to recognize and accept the tiny baby as our Savior?
In these weeks of Advent, let us prepare to receive Him whole-heartedly. Let us clear our minds and hearts of doubts, animosity, ego and be ready to tell Mother Mary, "There is room in my heart for your baby. When you wrap him in swaddling clothes, please place him in the manger of my heart."
May your Christmas be meaningful as well as joyful as you celebrate with friends and family!
Pax et Bonum.
Double Amen!!
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