Hope Amid the Rubble

In moments of vulnerability, when our hearts are open and we are willing to follow the wild and surprising path of the Holy Spirit, God comes to us. God’s presence is not confined to moments of comfort and security. It can be found in the most unlikely and humble places – when wandering in the wilderness, in deserts and dry lands, in stables and mangers.

The Holy Family knew the something of living in an unpredictable and volatile world, as many still live with today. In recent months and years, we’ve witnessed the heartbreak and devastation of war across the globe. This holiday season, we bear witness to not just the image of a child in a manger, but also images of children surrounded by rubble and ruin from bombings. In the birth of Christ, we see a reflection of every child born into strife, hunger, and anything less than the fulfillment and dignity that God envisions for all of us.

God calls us to embrace vulnerability with open hearts and enter the manger to meet Christ, surrounded by the sounds of nature and all of creation. This intimate setting, created out of thin air, brings together a family united around a child, offering a space of warmth and hospitality.

For many, Christmas is a cherished season, symbolizing family, home and tradition. However, it is also a profound occasion that celebrates change and hope. The arrival of Emmanuel – God With Us – offers comfort, joy and a sense of peace that transcends worldly desires. Yet, this child’s birth represents more than just these qualities. It marks the beginning of a new human experience.

Christ brings hope and assurance that God is present with us in every moment of our human experience, whether it be filled with joy or pain. Moreover, he has come to transform the world into God’s image, not one of power and control, but of love and compassion. Christ’s message is one of selflessness, wholeheartedness, and genuine love – a love that encompasses every aspect of our being.