|
|
One Christmas night, Our Lord came down into a modern city to see what people were doing.
Everyone was celebrating "Happy Holidays!"
At the Restaurant
Next, Christ paused by a restaurant advertising "Christmas Party—$50.00." Ladies
and gentlemen in elegant attire were entering. He stepped inside. Nice tables
covered with white linen and lighted Christmas candles were arranged in rows.
A
woman, seeing Our Lord, complained loudly: "You let beggars in here?!" The
waiter rushed over to Him. "What are you doing in here?" he demanded. "Go beg on
the street!"
Christ studied the young man. "If you only knew what I am 'begging’
for…," He started to reply, but He was shoved out as the woman playing the piano
sang, "Peace on earth and mercy mild."
At School
Outside, Christ allowed Himself to be swept along by the throng that flowed like
a river between stores. He saw toys everywhere, but rarely a Nativity scene. He
then found Himself near a large school playground. Above the gate was a sign:
"Christmas Party for Children." Our Lord went in. There were hundreds of
children inside, receiving toys. As they noisily ran and tumbled, important
looking women hurried about. Neither a Nativity scene nor a crucifix could be
seen. Nobody mentioned the Child Jesus.
As Christ stood there, a feeling of
isolation grew in His heart. He felt like a trespasser. Finally, He approached a
young boy whose arms overflowed with toys.
The headmaster rushed
over. "What did this man say to you?" she frantically asked the boy. Learning
what Our Lord had asked and whose Name He had dared mention, her eyes glared at
Our Lord and she snarled, "You need to leave -- now!"
Christ left and again
walked through the streets, passing innumerable places where His creatures
celebrated Christmas without knowing why.
In the Home
Weary, He came to a neglected suburb. A building with tiny lights caught His
eye. Approaching one of the windows, He saw His own image displayed on the wall.
His eyes brightened when He noticed a simple but attractively arranged crèche.
Just then, the door opened and a boy came out. The boy stopped abruptly at the
sight of the man shivering in the darkness. Icy gusts blew around them. "Sir,
you could freeze out here! You need to get out of the cold."
"I am quite cold,"
answered Our Lord. "Come in, then. We have a good fire going."
Our Lord entered. Near the fireplace, children gathered around a young priest.
As the fire crackled, the priest told the children about the infinite grandeur
and glory hidden within the little figure of the Child Jesus. He paused the
moment Our Lord entered the room. "Come in! You look cold! Please, warm yourself
here."
The children promptly offered the newcomer a place close to the fire.
"Have you
had anything to eat? Joseph, go ask your mother to prepare something hot for
this gentleman."
Christ’s gaze rested on them, one by one, as if He were
memorizing every little face. Above all, He gazed at the young priest. "Are you
alone, my friend?" asked the priest kindly. "Yes."
All eyes turned curiously on the Stranger, waiting. Christ did not speak. Very
slowly, regally, Jesus’ hand moved. He extended it over their heads, as if
reaching beyond the humble cottages of that poor suburb, and encompassing the
city whose miseries He had witnessed, he exclaimed, "Misereor super turbas!" (I
have pity on these people!) Then, slowly, before their astonished eyes, He
disappeared.
"It was He!" cried one of the boys. The priest nodded solemnly. "Yes, it was."
Merry Christmas!
Source: TFP Student Action
Christ met a policeman
directing traffic and asked: "What does 'Happy Holidays' mean?"
The policeman
eyed Him suspiciously. "Where are you from?"
"From Bethlehem."
"Where?"
"Bethlehem," Our Lord repeated.
"Oh…Don’t you know it’s a holiday for kids?"
"What is the origin of the holiday?" Our Lord asked.
"Look, you ask too many
questions. Can’t you see I'm busy?
"Do you love the Child Jesus who gave
you so many nice toys?" Our Lord asked the little boy.
The boy stared at Him,
puzzled: "What Child Jesus?"
"Don’t you know Him?"
"No."
See Also:
Jesus - The Gift That Keeps On Giving
The story of Jesus' birth is interesting because it shows us how to receive all the promises of God. I know people like to put everything on God, but you have a part to play in receiving the promises of God. There's a spiritual exchange that has to take place.Advent: Awaiting God's Justice by Pope Benedict XVI
Advent watchfulness means living in God's presence and according to his criteria in order to prepare a worthy dwelling-place for the promised SaviorA Season of Hope by Marcellino D'Ambrosio, Ph.D.
Faith, hope, and love. St. Paul, in I Corinthians 13:13, says these three are the bottom line. They are called the theological virtues, the qualities that make us most like God.
Christmas Home | Sermons Home | General Sermons and Essays | Articles Home | Library - Home
-------
Malankara World
A service of St. Basil's Syriac Orthodox
Church, Ohio
Copyright © 2009-2020 - ICBS Group. All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer
Website designed, built, and hosted by
International Cyber Business Services, Inc., Hudson, Ohio
