| "This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true." John 21:24 |
| "The Post and Courier" December 17, 2006 “Newborn Christ a reminder of gifts of love, life from God” By the Rev. Jeff Kirby |
It’s always amazing what the presence of a child does to the spirits of people. Some of the most hardened and sour-faced of people just
awaken, smiling and stooping down, making faces and speaking in baby talk.
The people we would never expect to visibly express themselves surprisingly open the doors of their hearts and personalities to the little one.
Perhaps there is something in the vulnerability, safety and unconditional love of a child that provokes and enlivens the spirits of joy and
openness in people. They come alive, and it’s truly amazing.
We live in an age of anxiety and uncertainty. The turbulent international scene and the common, everyday struggles that we and our family
and friends have with love, forgiveness, finances, work and moral issues sometimes foster in us a sense of inadequacy and fear. Life
sometimes can seem like a burden we must carry, and a problem that we must solve.
In this contagious environment of insecurity and awkwardness, however, a child is born to us, and a son is given to us. In this festive
Christmas season, Christians recall that God entered the human experience and history. He comes to us as a child so that the barriers around
each person’s heart can be softened. God lovingly stoops down to humanity so that each person can feel comfortable in stooping down to his
crib. There is no intimidation and no reason for fear. By coming as a child, God gives his confirmation to life and teaches us that life is truly
worth living. It is not a problem to be solved, but a mystery to be lived. Life is not a burden, but a gift that we must unwrap daily and
experience in all its fullness.
Humanity seems to implicitly recognize this divine affirmation of life. At Christmas, humanity seems to be at its best. In the kindness, love and
generosity that we show one another during this holiday season, we truly go the extra mile, and we seem closer to what we can and should be
as a people. This is because of a holiday commemorating a child to whom we can stoop and speak in baby talk.
Yes, God has come to us. In the Christ child, humanity has an example of its vocation to holiness and love. Jesus Christ can show humanity
the heights to which it can soar if it is responsive to God and willing to embrace each person and seek the good of all.
During this Christmas season, as Christians assemble around the crèche, may all humanity discern the calling and invitation given by Jesus
Christ for the tranquility and joy of the world. Let all people of goodwill see the newborn Child wrapped in swaddling clothes and work for
authentic peace in their families, workplaces and neighborhoods. Merry Christmas to all, and a Happy New Year!
The Rev. Jeff Kirby is a deacon of the Catholic Diocese of Charleston, studying moral theology in Rome.
awaken, smiling and stooping down, making faces and speaking in baby talk.
The people we would never expect to visibly express themselves surprisingly open the doors of their hearts and personalities to the little one.
Perhaps there is something in the vulnerability, safety and unconditional love of a child that provokes and enlivens the spirits of joy and
openness in people. They come alive, and it’s truly amazing.
We live in an age of anxiety and uncertainty. The turbulent international scene and the common, everyday struggles that we and our family
and friends have with love, forgiveness, finances, work and moral issues sometimes foster in us a sense of inadequacy and fear. Life
sometimes can seem like a burden we must carry, and a problem that we must solve.
In this contagious environment of insecurity and awkwardness, however, a child is born to us, and a son is given to us. In this festive
Christmas season, Christians recall that God entered the human experience and history. He comes to us as a child so that the barriers around
each person’s heart can be softened. God lovingly stoops down to humanity so that each person can feel comfortable in stooping down to his
crib. There is no intimidation and no reason for fear. By coming as a child, God gives his confirmation to life and teaches us that life is truly
worth living. It is not a problem to be solved, but a mystery to be lived. Life is not a burden, but a gift that we must unwrap daily and
experience in all its fullness.
Humanity seems to implicitly recognize this divine affirmation of life. At Christmas, humanity seems to be at its best. In the kindness, love and
generosity that we show one another during this holiday season, we truly go the extra mile, and we seem closer to what we can and should be
as a people. This is because of a holiday commemorating a child to whom we can stoop and speak in baby talk.
Yes, God has come to us. In the Christ child, humanity has an example of its vocation to holiness and love. Jesus Christ can show humanity
the heights to which it can soar if it is responsive to God and willing to embrace each person and seek the good of all.
During this Christmas season, as Christians assemble around the crèche, may all humanity discern the calling and invitation given by Jesus
Christ for the tranquility and joy of the world. Let all people of goodwill see the newborn Child wrapped in swaddling clothes and work for
authentic peace in their families, workplaces and neighborhoods. Merry Christmas to all, and a Happy New Year!
The Rev. Jeff Kirby is a deacon of the Catholic Diocese of Charleston, studying moral theology in Rome.