The icon of the Nativity of Christ speaks to us about the mysterious ways of God. God acts in ways that we do not always expect or understand. His ways are truly wonder-filled and awe-inspiring. His ways are miraculous.
As we read in the Book of Isaiah, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (55: 8-9)
When Christ came, he came first as a new-born baby. He was born to a young girl, a virgin not yet married but betrothed to the Noble Joseph. The event occurred in the humble village of Bethlehem. She gave birth in a cave reserved for animals because there was nowhere else to stay—no room in the Inn. In these humble circumstances, “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth…” (John 1:14).
Such are the mysterious way of God! The familiar persons involved in the story of Christ’s birth were all unique. Mary and Joseph were humble travelers seeking a place of shelter as they arrived in Bethlehem for the required census. The shepherds were simple men of the land tending their flocks. The wise men were wealthy and aristocratic foreigners wandering to a strange land. Each of them, however, shared a common characteristic: They opened their hearts to the actions of the Lord who mysteriously led them to the village of Bethlehem. Each of them accepted the miracle of Christmas and permitted God to act in their lives.
As we approach Christmas, we too can recognize that each of us is unique and humble. God is great and awesome. And that every individual one of us approaches the day led by faith in His might and power; led by God's grace to receive Christ. He is the ultimate gift that we gratefully accept.
Let us willingly meet Him. Let us adore and praise Him in worship. Let us receive His invitation by partaking of His Body and Blood. And, let us ourselves offer a humble invitation to Him to enter into our hearts no matter how deep we feel the cave of our heart is, no matter how cold or dark we feel. This is how we accept the new life. This is how we celebrate this great feast. This is how we glorify Him!
