May the peace of Christ disturb you!

 From time to time I reflect on what Christmas draws us towards. We are very much aware of the nativity scene which draws on the inspiration of St Francis of Assisi. It was the introduction of animals and a stable scene to enkindle a great sense of devotion and prayer. There was a need to see a connection between the birth of our Lord in poor circumstances with the lives of ordinary people. There was a need to see the connection between God's total dependency on others as a babe in arms that bids us hold him close to our hearts. It calls for openness and transparency which allows us to encounter a God who meets us in everyday life.

As we reflect on what this means for us now it firstly calls us to become present to a God who appears to be totally dependent upon us for everything. To be fed, clothed, comforted, sheltered, and kept warm are basic human needs that Jesus experienced from his earliest years. He was able to be known in the reality of these situations which noticed his poverty, obedience, and need for human relationships to sustain him. This allows us to see it is in these principal orientations towards us that we start to know how to orientate ourselves to God.

The incarnation thus changes how we view ourselves and the world. No longer is it just focussed on what we want but a discovering about the one thing that is needed. To discover a God who can sustain our body and soul. This is at the heart of how we reach out to each other especially those in greatest need this Christmas. We can often take it for granted that we will be fed, clothed, comforted, sheltered, and kept warm. Yet there are many who long for these simple gifts which enable them to discover they are truly human. That they have a fundamental dignity that needs to be nurtured, protected, and nourished.

In our own time, we can become aware of those who are dependent upon others for the basic necessities of life. It calls us to open our hearts to their need and discover how we can share our lives for the good of others. Christmas comes at a time when Jesus enters into our deepest needs and our most troubled hearts. May the peace of Christ disturb you!