FROM
THE SERVANT GENERAL
THE
COMING OF THE SAVIOR
“And
the Word became flesh
and made his dwelling among us”
(John 1:14a)
December
25, 2008
My
beloved brethren in Christ,
“Do
not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of
great joy that will be for all the people. For today in
the city of David a savior has been born for you who is
Messiah and Lord.” (Lk 2:10-11). Thus did the angel
of the Lord proclaim to the shepherds the birth of Jesus.
“And
suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with
the angel, praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God
in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor
rests.’” (Lk 2:13-14). Heaven burst out in joyful
celebration and worship. Indeed, it was the most momentous
moment in all history, when God came into the world as a
human baby, to usher in the start of the life and work of
the Savior of the world.
Today
we Christians celebrate Christmas. Despite problems and
woes, we manage to be joyful. Despite antagonisms and conflicts,
we manage to wish goodwill to others. Despite tragedies
and injustice, we manage, even for just a moment, to feel
peace within us.
But
what will the new year bring? In a week’s time, will
the peace and joy of Christmas already be a thing of the
past, something that was briefly enjoyed in the year that
has gone?
-
It
does not have to be that way. The angel talked of not
being afraid, of good news, of great joy, of the universality
of the good news.
-
The birth of Jesus is good news. It is the greatest news
ever. A Savior has been born. We will be redeemed from
sin and darkness. Our lives can be turned totally around,
for the better.
-
This great news is for all. For even the vilest of sinners.
Nay, precisely for the vilest of sinners. No one is to
be excluded from the grace and blessing of God.
-
And so all should rejoice. Salvation, transformation,
renewal, deliverance, grace upon grace, fullness of life—all
these are within reach. And God desires for all to have
them.
-
So we should no longer be afraid. No matter what our situation
in life, no matter how deep in the pit we are at the moment,
we can confidently look forward to God’s action
on our behalf. And if God is for us, who can be against
us? We can move on with our lives with confidence and
trust.
But
after two millennia, why is the world, already lighted up
by the birth of the Savior, still in darkness, in conflict,
and unhappy?
It
is because we have not done our part. What then must we
do? First, we must allow Jesus to be born in our very own
hearts. We must be personally transformed in Christ, and
live out our lives according to the ways of the Savior.
We must grow in holiness.
Second,
we must allow Jesus to be born in our homes. We must build
a family for Christ, and live in a home inhabited as well
by the Holy Spirit. In our home, all will be formed with
truly Christian values.
Finally,
we must work such that Jesus is born in every other heart
as well. We must do the work of evangelization. We must
proclaim Christ to the whole world. Jesus depends on us!
To proclaim this good news, this salvation in Jesus, this
reign of Jesus in our lives, this coming of peace into the
world—this task is our privilege and our responsibility.
When we do so, the heavenly host will again burst out with
exultant joy. “How beautiful upon the mountains are
the feet of him who brings glad tidings, announcing peace,
bearing good news, announcing salvation, and saying to Zion,
‘Your God is King!’” (Is 52:7).
Let
us shout for joy for the Lord restores us, and let us break
out in song for the Lord redeems us (Is 52:8-9). Let us
live such that Jesus becomes incarnate in our lives and
makes his dwelling among us. And let us work such that “all
the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God.”
(Is 52:10b).
This
is what Christmas means. That is how Christmas will remain
in people’s hearts and lives, long after the festive
celebrations have ceased.
Have
a blessed Christmas.
Your
brother and servant,
Frank
Padilla
