Christmas Message 2022

by Fr. Jonathan Germinanda, MSP

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2022

CHRIST, OUR LIGHT!

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. (Isaiah 9:1)

It is said that December 25 was chosen as the day to commemorate the birth of the Lord not because it is the exact day of the Lord’s birth but because of its symbolism.  The other day I read that December 22 will be the longest and darkest night.  However, beginning December 25, the day starts to become longer and the night becomes shorter.  This is a poetry depicted by celestial bodies and used to figuratively explain the words of the prophet Isaiah: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone”.

As we slowly begin to recover from the pandemic which lasted for more than two years, these are comforting words that capture the message that we so much need as we celebrate Christmas this year.  Christmas is a celebration of God’s manifestation in this world of darkness, suffering, and death to bring light, healing, and life. Christmas reminds us that Christ came into this world not only to set us free from spiritual bondage but from every form of bondage.  St. Ambrose has said that just like in Easter when there is not a time when the earth has no light, so also there should be no part of our lives that is covered with darkness.  Christmas brings forth the Light into our lives.

Christmas is and will only meaningfully be about Jesus.  The little child in the manger who brought salvation to the world.  Our joy this Christmas, our joy at the coming of the savior will be misplaced when there is no consciousness of the pervading darkness that needs enlightenment and direction; when there is no consciousness of the deep sadness and the overpowering loneliness which need the Emmanuel, the God who will be with us no matter what. 

Having visited again some of our brothers this year, I have seen and witnessed the light they have brought in the darkness of people’s lives in their communities.  As missionaries, we bring in us Jesus, who is Emmanuel, God-with us.  Our challenge this Christmas is to remember and remind others that God revealed Himself in human form and came to us, to meet us at the point of our struggles and our search for meaning in life.  May we become real bearers of the Light. 

Light begins to dawn…may it shine on us and guide us towards the path of mission we are called today.

MAY WE ALL HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS! 

Fr. Jonathan N. Germinanda, MSP

Father Moderator