“When God revealed Himself to this poor world of ours, men cried in astonishment: ‘Why, it is a child?’ And so it is that the closer we get to God the more we become children, and the closer God gets to us the more He becomes a child. No one in the world ever suspected that the Ancient of Days Who presided at creation would take His throne in that creation as a babe in a crib, just as no one ever thought He would tell the old men of forty, like Nicodemus, that they must be born again. Christmas, then, is the coronation of childhood, the glorification of the young whose hearts are simple, the proclamation to aging hearts that the world need not despair and die, because the Fountain of Youth has come to turn time backward, make old things young again.”
– Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen, In the Fullness of Time
This timeless quote by the cerebral Archbishop Fulton Sheen offers a profound lens through which to reflect on the solemnity of Christmas. As we embark on this musing, let us approach it with a lighter mood—feel free to sip your favorite drink as we delve into the deeper essence of Christmas.
At its core, Christmas is more than just a celebration of Christ’s birth; it is the dawn of a new creation. Through His incarnation, God entered the world as a child—innocent, vulnerable, and full of grace—to redeem the fallen order. This act marked the birth of a new Adam and the renewal of humanity.
In a sense, Christmas is not just about Christ’s birth—it is also about ours. While baptism is often seen as the sacrament of rebirth, Christmas foreshadows this renewal on a cosmic scale. It signifies our own re-creation, as humanity is invited to share in the divine nature through Christ’s obedience and humility.
The incarnation remains a mystery that transcends human logic. Imagine how bewildering this story might seem to someone outside the Christian faith—a God who becomes flesh and enters His creation as a helpless child to redeem it. Even today, many Jews, in whose lineage and land Christ was born, struggle to accept this narrative. Theologians call this act the Incarnation, the divine plan to restore our disfigured nature into a glorified one.
It is more than a birthday; it is an invitation to participate in the mystery of salvation. It is about us as much as it is about Him. Isaiah captured this duality when he proclaimed: “Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given” (Isaiah 9:6).
Despite centuries of resistance, Christmas has endured as a celebration of hope and renewal. Early critics dismissed it as a pagan festival, citing its lack of explicit biblical origins. Yet, the enduring spirit of the feast has prevailed, driven by the steadfast guidance of the Church and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Today, even Christian denominations that once opposed it now embrace Christmas with carols, retreats, and celebrations.
This persistence underscores the feast’s profound role in God’s plan of salvation. It is not merely a historical event; it is a spiritual reality that calls us to renewal, love, and generosity.
It reminds us of God’s abiding presence—Emmanuel, God with us. This divine presence calls us to reflect Christ’s love and light to the world. It is a time to give gifts, not just material ones, but the gifts of love, compassion, and joy.
In celebrating Christ’s birth, we celebrate our own spiritual rebirth. Just as we exchange gifts on today, we are reminded to be gifts to one another, mirroring the love of the newborn King.
No matter your current circumstances, Christmas is a reminder that God is with you, transforming your story with His grace. It is the ultimate celebration of life, hope, and renewal.
As we exchange greetings this season, let us remember: we are not just Easter people; we are Christmas people too—co-celebrants with Christ in the miracle of His birth.
Merry Christmas and may daylight spare us!
✍️ Jude Eze.
