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The Nativity of the Lord
The Word became flesh (John1:14)Dear Brothers and Sisters,
This is a day for falling in love. This is the day when Mary and Joseph look up from the baby in the manger and invite us to gather around. Even as they savor the moment, they are eager to share it with us as well, this “good news of great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10).
And so Joseph and Mary invite us to join them on their journey of discovery.
Here, says Mary, as she lifts her newborn from the hay. He is yours too—he came for you. Take him. Hold him close. Share in the love that Joseph and I have for this little one.
Like the angels’ birth announcement, the invitation is for everyone. No one is left out—however unworthy, unspiritual, or unprepared we may feel. So whoever you are, wherever you are, whatever your state today, receive this gift of Jesus. Take the child in your arms. Gaze on his face, and see how much He loves you. Let him lock eyes with you, as babies will, so that he can search your heart and reveal you to yourself. Let down your defenses, and fall in love with this Christ Child—with God made flesh for you.
Falling in love with God in this absolute, final way is the most practical and far-reaching thing you could ever do.
What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you will do with your evenings, how you will spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude.
Jesus has come. The Word has become flesh. Fall in love with him. Stay in love with him. It will decide everything.
Mary and Joseph, thank you for bringing Jesus to us! Pray that we might love him as you did—more and more each day. May we be sons and daughters of the Most High God, who share your son’s light to all that we meet. Amen.
Peace and All Good,
I remain yours in the glory of his Incarnation,
+Roger
Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes