Christmas 2020 issue of spiritual life/Online now available
By Edward O’Donnell, OCD, Editor
“Adoration of the Christ Child”
By Gerard van Honthorst (1619–1621), Public Domain
The joyful reality of the birth of Jesus bursts forth upon us on Christmas morn with the words of the Angels:
Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward all.
A Promise Fulfilled
The birth of Jesus, the Son of God as man, is the long-awaited fulfillment of the promise made to Israel. Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah who will save his people and bring them out of darkness.
And If ever the world needed a Savior, a liberator who will free us from the darkness that surrounds us, it is now in this time of COVID-19, when the fear of COVID affects every aspect of our personal and social lives.
The birth of Jesus, as depicted above, shows us that Jesus is one of us, who in this time of stress and fear gives us courage to sustain our hope in his saving power. Jesus is our savior and the source of our peace, and the Light of the World.
Let us celebrate with joy the day
on which Mary brought forth the Savior.