Oops!
When we think about Christmas, it’s easy to focus on the historical details: Jesus was born in Bethlehem during the reign of Augustus Caesar. These facts ground the story in history, but facts alone don’t capture the essence of Christmas. They’re like distant stars in the sky—fascinating, yet far removed from the warmth and light we long for.
Ugh!
The challenge is that information alone doesn’t change hearts. Knowing the details of Jesus’ birth—the manger, the shepherds, the angelic announcement—often feels like a story locked in the past. For many, even the most miraculous elements of the narrative can seem exaggerated, like a fish story that grows bigger with every retelling. For non-believers, the historical Jesus may be acknowledged, but the Christ remains unrecognized, shrouded in skepticism.
And isn’t it true that we, too, sometimes lose sight of the deeper meaning of this holy day? Even as believers, the busyness of the season can leave us distracted. We’re inundated with commercialism, social obligations, and the pressure to create a “perfect” holiday. In the midst of all this, it’s easy to forget that Christmas is not just a commemoration but an invitation to transformation.
Aha!
But the story of Christmas was never meant to stay confined to history. The Church Fathers teach us that scripture has layers of meaning. Beyond the literal facts lies the figurative, the symbolic—the deeper truth that speaks to our lives here and now.
When we approach the Christmas story this way, Mary becomes more than a young woman who gave birth 2,000 years ago. She becomes a symbol for all humanity, for each of us. Her story is our story. She represents the ideal response to God’s invitation—an invitation extended to you and me every day.
Consider the angel’s words to Mary: “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women” (Luke 1:28). These words are not just for Mary. They are a message for each of us. God’s presence is with us, and we, too, are called to bear Christ into the world in our unique way.
Whee!
Consider Mary’s yes to God. Imagine her courage. She was a young teenager, likely no more than 13 years old, when the angel Gabriel appeared to her with an unimaginable proposal. By saying yes, she risked her reputation, her engagement to Joseph, and even her life. She accepted the possibility of being misunderstood, judged, or even stoned.
And yet, she said yes. Her yes led her on a challenging journey—the arduous trip to Bethlehem, giving birth in a stable, fleeing to Egypt as a refugee. Her life became immeasurably harder. But her yes also brought forth Jesus, the Christ, the Savior of the world. Her yes bore fruit beyond her wildest imagination, transforming her into the Theotokos, the God-bearer.
Let us not romanticize Mary’s journey, for it was filled with real struggles. The labor pains she endured in a cold, unsanitary stable. The fear she must have felt as she fled with her family to Egypt to escape Herod’s wrath. These moments remind us that saying yes to God is not always easy or comfortable. Yet, it is through these trials that God’s glory is revealed.
Yeah!
The Christmas story is not just about what happened in Bethlehem long ago; it’s about what happens whenever humanity says yes to God. Mary’s yes is a model for us. It shows us that our own yes to God’s invitation—even when it’s risky or challenging—can be transformative. Our yes, like Mary’s, may lead us through hardship, but it also bears fruit. It brings forth life, salvation, and joy.
This Christmas, see the story of Jesus’ birth as an invitation. Say yes to God’s call in our lives. Allow that yes to transform us, just as it transformed Mary. Through our yes, we too can become bearers of Christ in the world, bringing light and love into even the darkest places.
Take time this season to reflect on how God is calling you. Where is God inviting you to say yes? Perhaps it’s in extending forgiveness to someone who has hurt you. Perhaps it’s in reaching out to someone in need. Perhaps it’s in stepping into a new role or ministry, even if it feels daunting. Whatever it may be, know that your yes matters. It is through your yes that Christ continues to be born in the world.
So, celebrate the miracle of Christmas—not just as a memory of what was, but as a living reality of what can be. Open our hearts to God’s presence, echo Mary’s courageous yes, and let the light of Christ shine through us.
Amen.