Merry Christmas!
Today we encounter Anna and Simeon. Here we are told that, “this child is set for the fall and for the resurrection of many in Israel: and for a sign which shall be contradicted: and thine own soul a sword shall pierce, that out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed.”
This is an important message to remember when it pertains to the Christ child. It is easy for us to forget why He was born. Without His death His birth would not have the same significance. If He did not die upon the cross and rise again on the third day there would not be a reason for us to gather on Christmas.
As Fulton Sheen wrote, “From the moment she heard Simeon’s words, she would never again lift the Child’s hands without seeing a shadow of nails on them; every sunset would be a blood red image of His Passion. Simeon was throwing away the sheath that hid the future from human eyes, and letting the blade of the world’s sorrow flash in front of her eyes. Every pulse that she would feel in the tiny wrist would be like an echo of an oncoming hammer. If He was dedicated to salvation through suffering, so was she. No sooner was this young life launched than Simeon, like an old mariner, talked of shipwreck. No cup of the Father’s bitterness had yet come to the lips of the Babe, and yet a sword was shown to His mother.”
Through all of this we see the parallel which exists between His Nativity and death. There is something more to the Christmas season then what many currently profess. This Sunday in the Octave of Christmas keeps us grounded on the totality of why Christmas is so important for us to celebrate. May we too come to celebrate it with great joy for we continue to feel the saving effects of this child and what He has done to save us.
As people of faith we must remain grounded on what is truly important. Let us continue to rejoice at the Good News of the Lord’s birth and remember that He is the one who has come in order to save us from sin and death. An encounter with Christ should change us and would transform our world. To truly encounter the Christ child means that we let go of sin in order that we may turn our heart onto His. Let us rejoice for by His cross and Resurrection He has redeemed the world.
