In the Beginning...

In the beginning was the Word, in it was life, and the life was the light of humanity—and the darkness did not overcome it!

This highly theological introduction from the Gospel of John connects the living Word with the first moment of creation in the Book of Genesis:

"In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth and the earth was without form or shape, with darkness over abyss and a mighty wind sweeping over the waters. Then God said: Let there be light, and there was light. God saw that the light was good. God then separated the light from the darkness."

The cosmic light of creation’s dawn remains just as significant today as it was in the beginning. Light separates day from night and its power reveals shapes and colors, beginning the world into focus.

The light of the new creation, celebrated in the prologue of John’s Gospel, shines forth from the divine Word made flesh. This light is Jesus Christ, who undeniably said of himself: "I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness." (John 12:46).

This interplay of light and shadow in these theological and poetic biblical narratives inspires and fascinates me. It seems to mirror the two dimensions of our existence.

Human Nature

On one hand, there is a deep longing for humanity: For goodness, compassion, warmth, and understanding. For those who, with quiet grace, effortlessly and without fanfare, do and say exactly what is needed at just the right moment—giving us the space to breathe deeply and stand tall once more.

Then, on the other hand, even the kindest, most compassionate of us struggle with the challenges of being human, whether it is alone or among others. We face our limitations, deal with misunderstanding and endure sickness, loneliness, mortality and even guilt. In these moments, it is easy to feel discouraged and say, "Well, that's just human nature."

Even on that very first Christmas night, the reality of human nature was evident: No room for the poor, fear of strangers, cold indifference, a heavily pregnant woman turned away and left to fend for herself. No room.

It seems that humanity has two faces: a bright side and a dark side. As inseparable as two sides of the same coin.

The Infinite Love of God

But let us shift our focus to the bright side of humanity: The newborn child in the manger, Mary and Joseph, the devoted parents. There is Elizabeth, Mary’s relative, who likely offered her support and encouragement during her unexpected pregnancy. There are the shepherds bringing their gifts. But above all, let us turn to the greatest gift of all: The infinite God who chose to walk with us, to live among us, and to share our humanity.

From this moment on, nothing human is foreign to Him—for "the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us!" Friends! What an extraordinary message on this Christmas morning, profoundly human, yet undeniably divine! It is a mystery beyond all comprehension.

In the end, all we can do is fall down in silent awe and rejoice, that God has given us a new perspective on our longing for true humanity. What an opportunity! What a challenge! Christmas invites us to reflect on our own humanity through the light of Jesus’s birth. God loves and embraces both sides of our humanity, the bright and the dark. He wants to share these two sides with us, without hesitation— unconditionally.

Embracing the Beloved Children of God

Those who embrace the divine and human dimensions within themselves will still face moments when human nature takes over—in themselves and in others. However, this deeper understanding brings greater patience and fewer reasons to feel frustration or defeat.

Whoever embraces themselves as a beloved child of God will be filled with deep gratitude, marveling that we, despite or perhaps because of, our humanity, are able to celebrate Christmas.

I hope that this will be a time of deep and lasting joy. May it give us a renewed sense of humanity as seen through the eyes of the child in the manger and as the man on the cross.

Merry and blessed Christmas.

Praised be Jesus Christ.