In this joyous Christmas season, we are constantly reminded of a majestic event that echoes through the centuries - The Miracle of Christmas. This phrase, deeply rooted in our celebrations, describes Jesus' arrival in the world as a divine miracle, an advent that forever changed the course of humanity. Yet, let us delve a little further into what truly constituted the birth of a child in humble Bethlehem as the greatest miracle of all.
Firstly, we realize how this miracle resonated in the hearts of those who received the good news. As Luke 1:20 tells us, Zechariah, doubting the angel who announced the birth of John the Baptist, was temporarily silenced. In contrast, Mary, upon receiving the announcement that she would conceive the Son of the Most High, welcomed the news with great honor and grace (Luke 1:38). As the events unfolded, she fortified herself through Jesus' life, silently reflecting on everything in her heart (Luke 2:19). Jesus was sent to this earth to die for our sins, and we are thus challenged to have a heart of faith, like Mary, understanding the magnitude of this event.
The birth of Jesus brought great joy to those of faith, but provoked the wrath of the enemy of our souls. Like Moses, who was likewise pursued from birth for being chosen to deliver his people, Jesus faced a similar threat. As Matthew 2:16 reports, Herod, furious at being deceived by the magi, ordered the death of all boys two years of age and under in Bethlehem and its surroundings. This horrific act underlines what Jesus' birth means for us - our savior was being born in Bethlehem, the arrival of humanity's deliverer, the perfect miracle.
Essentially, all miracles carry the mark of divine presence, and in Jesus' birth this presence is complete - God with us. In Luke 1:31-33, Jesus' divinity is underlined when the angel Gabriel says to Mary: "You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end".
Jesus' divinity is further emphasized in Luke 2:9-14, where an angel and a heavenly host appear to the shepherds to announce the arrival of the divine on earth. They proclaim: "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord! ... And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying: 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!'.
Therefore, as we celebrate and remember Jesus' birth, let us adorn our hearts with robust faith. Let us recall the fundamental principle of this miracle: that our Savior came into the world to liberate us. Jesus' arrival in the world is also a new life within us. The true Miracle of Christmas lies within us, in the form of a fresh start, new life, and victory over evil. May our hearts sing with joy this Christmas day, and may Jesus be at the center of our celebration. May the true Miracle of Christmas bless us all today and always.