Fr. Richard OMOLADE

There is a time for everything, but this birth was like no other.  In its simplicity, there is grandeur. His coming, that first coming was not announced, for the first brief moment, he arrived incognito. But such birth cannot be hidden.  The packaged wrapped with the very love of God has to be unwrapped and lo and behold there burst into our consciousness, the gift beyond measure, made manifest in that little infant.  God from God, light from light, but now made flesh for us, welcome O Emmanuel, God with us. And so, Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, and he made his dwelling with us. His birth changed everything.  Now, time is measure of this presence in the world. Before he was born referred to as BC, Before Christ and since his arrival is referred to as AD, Anno domino, that is, “In the year of the Lord.” Yes, some in the academic world say it is BCE, before the coming era, but that era is since Christ entered our world. One single birth and all is transformed.

At Christmas we celebrate our coming of age, yes, our age is the age of grace, the time of redemption as scripture says, “When the appointed time came, God sent his son, born of a woman.” (Gal 4:4). The appointed time, planned before hand and always known to God, yet made know in our time.  As the woman crushed the serpent’s head, she became fecund and gave birth to her Lord and make. We therefore marvel with her and praise God with all people of good-will because God has lifted us up and bestow on us a name above all names. We are Christians, we belong to Christ and at Christmas we join the angels to sing with joy and acclaim the God of our salvation.

One birth changes everything. The power mongers were rattled and tried in vain to secure their position, but it was too late the wind of change was already blowing. As it was then, so it is now. Christ is born anew for humanity and his reign will have not end. It is inconceivable that such a king will not practice justice and righteousness and uproot all the evils in the land. Christmas, that is, the birth of Jesus is what we celebrate at this time, but it is a celebration that points to something more, the dawn of salvation. Our salvation is assured, the devil has been thrown down, the woman has crushed the serpent’s head, so we rejoice and sing “Glory to God in the highest” Truly, and one birth changes everything.

While the powerful shiver in their position, the poor have the good news preached to them.  They recognized in the Infant Jesus, one like them in all things but sin. And in feeling comfortable with the poor in their state, he uplifted them and made them yearn for life divine destined for sons and daughter of our God. The wise also came looking for him for they recognized in the star the one they have always yearned for. No wonder when the star came to rest on the place where the child was laid, they entered and did him homage, not just a gesture of respect, but reverence due to one like no other, adoration fit only for one’s maker.

At Christmas then, we who live today and celebrate in joy must keep in mind that the babe wrapped in swaddling clothe is our Lord and God, hence, all mortal must keep silence and with fear and trembling   stand; ponder nothing earthly-minded, for with blessing in His hand, Christ our God to earth descended, our full home to demand.

So, while the bright light shines and illuminate the night, while the songs ring around our streets and homes, while we savour the delight of our meals, let us remember that one birth that changes everything and realize that He chose to come for our sake. He chose to be like us, to lift us up. He chose our nature and human condition, so that we could see in him what we are called to become. One birth changes everything and challenges us to treasure all life.

Life is the precious gift that only God bestows on the world, our task is to accept it with love and gratitude, nurture it and protect it from all harm and destruction. When we protect the life of others, especially the weak and the defenseless, we give meaning to our own life and make life worth living. One birth changes everything and if we too are open to God’s gift of life, then our life can bring tremendous change to the world. So, let Christ be born again in us and through us.