Reflection #9: The Incarnation of God

To many, Christmas is just another excuse to celebrate and throw massive parties, to buy and receive a great deal of presents, and a time to break from work and just relax. As the years go on, more and more people are drawn into the circle of what seems to be the glamorous 'it thing,' until today, the modern world we live in has over-developed, so much so that it seems almost a tradition you go out and celebrate on Christmas Eve or Christmas night. Centuries ago, people were much simpler. They probably had no idea what 'champagne' or 'fireworks' even meant. Centuries ago, people would spend time with their family, perhaps cook some good meat for the night and probably light the fireplace just a little bit longer than usual so parents could pass on Christmas tales from generations ago, to their children. Despite the many versions of the story of how Jesus really came about, at least we know that Christmas is celebrated on the 25th December to commemorate the birth of Jesus, son of Christ. Based on the words of the ancient prophets, the arrival of Jesus was promised by God as a great deliver of the people. He was described as the 'Messiah,' the one of the most high. The scriptures, songs and stories say nothing but the same. This particular phrase I remember very well, because it would be sung or recited every mass - in honour of Jesus. These are the last 3 lines of the verse:

"For you alone are the Holy One,  you alone are the Lord,
You alone are the Most High,  Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,  in the glory of God the Father.  Amen."

 The last verse of 'O Come All Ye Faithful' emphasizes the arrival of baby Jesus. 'All Hail' and 'Lord,' suggests his importance even as a new born child. 'O Jesus.. now in flesh appearing' basically means what the Father has said is true, because now we see his flesh, and because the Father has chosen the name 'Jesus,' it will for evermore be adored. He is 'Christ the Lord.'

All Hail! Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning,
O Jesus! for evermore be Thy name adored.
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord. 

 For Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the Persian astrologers, their belief and trust in God was necessary, and probably the most important aspect. It was what got them through their journey. God was all they had. For Mary and Joseph, they chose to believe the news angel Gabriel brought to them. For the Persian astrologers, it was through faith that they travelled the far distance to witness the birth of Jesus. For the shepherds, just as ordinary people, they were there to protect and guide the way for Mary and Joseph - their belief and duty.

What kind of God comes as a baby? That is a question many will laugh at, but maybe it was for the better. God's ambition was to send someone that could represent himself to Earth, from the heavens. Why not introduce a baby? We know that they are pure and innocent, and seem to be the most delightful. Whether they really are remains a mystery but God's love for children never ceased. The messages he passed on to his disciples are just an example of why God chose this method. Another may be, as a child you are filled with joy, happiness, hatred and love. As a child, you are given many things, yet nothing seems too serious because after all, you're only just a 'child.' Then as you grow older, children develop based on their upbringing, which is when adults are formed. The character of an adult is more permanent in that, a person is who they are. Children can change, for the better or worse; but they are given a chance. Through hardship, children learn. Maybe this was another motto God followed.