I am sure that we all will agree that each year, indeed each day, has its challenges. I am sure that we all will further agree that 2020 has been an exceptional year. At the outset of the year, we were made aware of the COVID-19 pandemic but never in our wildest dreams did we think that it would have such a deleterious effect on so many facets of life across the whole world – and would last this long. I hasten to admit that this pandemic has also taught us some critical lessons about life. Among these are the powerful reminder that this is God’s world. This world is on loan to us. If we choose to ignore or reject God in our dealings, we are doomed. I hope that this pandemic has taught us to live closely to God and to carry out His will for us.
Another lesson we have learnt, I hope, is that we are caretakers of our environment. Reports indicate that as a result of the lock-down in several places, pollution has reduced, waterways are clearer and are teeming with fish, there is an increase in bird life. It is evident that what affects one part of the world affects other parts. We are all our brothers’ keepers. Additionally, we are witnessing the positive impact of the digital age. The internet and other media are used more than ever as a means of communication so there is less travel – the carbon footprint is reduced.
With all the protocols that are in place, especially those dealing with personal hygiene, we are reminded that we are created in the image of God and we must care for our bodies. We must build up our immune system, exercise regularly and eat healthily. Continue striving to do so.
Now here we are celebrating Christmas. On the first Christmas, God took flesh in the person of Jesus and came to this earth. The “Incarnation” (God taking flesh) is an affirmation of the physical body and bestows dignity to our mortal flesh forever. We must not abuse our bodies. They are precious. They are the temples of the Holy Spirit (see 1 Corinthians 16f). One writer James B. Nelson states, “We knew the world and respond to it through our embodiness. Moral knowledge for example, is bodily; if we cannot somehow feel in the gut the meanings of justice and injustice, of hope and hopelessness, those terms remain abstract and unreal. We do not just have bodies, we are bodies.” We are extensions of the Incarnation. At Christmas, we sing “Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings.” As we hail his birth, we must be agents of righteousness (fostering right relationships with each other) working for justice, denouncing injustice, and working to transform unjust structures.
With the gift of the Incarnation, we are called to seek and serve Christ in all people; to understand that God can and does appear in unexpected ways – as one of us. It is easy to miss God’s presence through those we encounter in our daily lives. It would do us well to ponder on the words in St. Matthew’s Gospel, Chapter 25. Take note of this verse, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”
So as we celebrate this Christmas, let us not forget to reach out and to help our less fortunate brothers and sisters, especially those who are suffering as a result of the pandemic. This is how we are asked to live. Jesus played his part and then left physically. (His spirit is always present.) Now, it is up to us, the Body of Christ. Let us not only celebrate this Christmas – let us be as Christ to each other. A Blessed Christmas to all!
