Christmas

The mystery of Christmas opens my mind to the many possibilities in life. I think of the humility portrayed in the Christmas story contrasted with the coming of the three kings of power and might. I think of the story of the flight into Egypt when King Herod was so totally outwitted by the humble Joseph. I am reminded of one part of scripture that we had to memorize, the line from the Magnificat, Mary's song, "He has put down the mighty from their throne and has exalted the humble."

I think the kernel of Christmas is exactly that, and the mystery lies in anticipation that it can and will happen again, not another Jesus birth per se, but the raising up of the lowly.

My soul glorifies the Lord, *

my spirit rejoices in God, my Saviour.

He looks on his servant in her lowliness; *

henceforth all ages will call me blessed.

The Almighty works marvels for me. *

Holy his name!

His mercy is from age to age, *

on those who fear him.

He puts forth his arm in strength *

and scatters the proud-hearted.

He casts the mighty from their thrones *

and raises the lowly.

He fills the starving with good things, *

sends the rich away empty.

He protects Israel, his servant, *

remembering his mercy,

the mercy promised to our fathers, *

to Abraham and his sons for ever.

Merry Christmas!