Nativity of the Lord

Around the world, as we celebrate Christmas, we hear these words:

"For a child is born for us,

a son given to us:

authority rests upon His shoulders;

and He is named

Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

His authority shall grow continually,

and there shall be endless peace."

These words are a great joy for all believers, but also, in some sense, arouse some doubts.

Sometimes it is not easy to believe them. As we remember various events in our lives, the lives of our families, friends, and colleagues, we find our life is full of dark events, and suffering and we experience tragedy.

Questions arise.

Did God come into this world, strong as the Lord of Justice and Peace to fulfill these prophesies?

One of the ways Satan spreads doubt is to undermine faith in human goodness and the omnipotence of God.

If God truly became man and is always present in the world, why are a lot of things going in the wrong direction?

Why is this child, who was born and called the King of Kings, the Lord Almighty, who brought peace and goodwill, expected to bring order to the world? Because

Jesus came for another purpose, so that we may have life in abundance. Except that there is not an abundance of happiness on earth.

It's something we read in the Holy Scriptures--"eye has not seen nor ear heard."

Jesus came and is always present, but not to bring systematic order to this world. He came to be the way for us, to show us the road to abundant life and peace.

Someone said, we expect God to be the best plastic surgeon. Some divine surgery that will change us and the earth according to our desires and preferences.

Meanwhile, if we think along the lines that God is an ophthalmologist who allows us to see the true reality, thanks to His treatment, we can see the world from the perspective of God.

Christmas cannot finish tomorrow, because He does not want to be the guest who leaves when the party is ended. He wants to be with us, but not as a helpless child. He wants to grow with us. He wants to show us the way to exit our troubles.

Thanks to Him, He wants to show us a deeper dimension to life, a deeper meaning to life, despite all the suffering and trouble. He wants us to fight our weaknesses and adversities.

And most of all, to show us that our life has become BRAND NEW.

So today, when we wish each other Merry Christmas, don't forget to wish each other a Happy New Life! Because if we have a strong enough faith we are sure to believe that the better part of this life is Jesus.