Lit with remembrance of the Life-giver (Narek, Prayer 12.1), we are pilgrims on our journey, yearning to encounter God in the decree of the census that establishes the New Covenant. The hymns of our pilgrimage are imbued with faith and illuminate our hope, for with each step we take, we draw nearer to the love that was laid in the manger of Bethlehem.
Let our steps be respectful, and let all side talk be quiet. Approach the manger in respectful silence, for the Son of God rests there. Let our worship be a holy and living sacrifice (as taught in Romans 12:1), offering our faith, hope, and love to the divine Child, without mixing them with human gifts of gold, myrrh, and incense.
This child embodies our code of life and serves as the standard of our character. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we were born from the purest womb of the Church as children of God (as mentioned in John 1.2–9). Our purpose in this world is to witness to the light, which dispels the darkness of death. This light is the light of life (John 8.12).
The path of every individual, whether faithful or faithless, serves as a reflection of Jesus, the true and sole Way: we are created by God, come to this world, and return to God. If only we could live a complete and authentic life! Let us seek the guidance of the Child Jesus, allowing him to grow alongside us in increased wisdom, stature, and favor with God and others. (Luke 2.52) This way, we will not reject or negate the divine blessings whenever our paths encounter the deserts of temptation in this world. We will not bind the good by condemning and cursing, nor will we release evil by failing to praise and honor God. (Matthew 5.44, Luke 6.28, Romans 12.14)
We must embody our Lord within our own nature so that He may reside among us and unveil His glory. Consequently, we will become recipients of that glory, overflowing with grace and truth, as authentic representations of our resurrected Lord (Colossians 1.15; John 1.14).
That’s when God will be pleased with us and will be supreme in every way and in all fullness (Colossians 1:19). He will freely give grace upon grace from the fullness of the Holy Spirit to all people (John 1:16). In that moment, we will become the life-giving communion of the New Covenant in God’s hands. Through us, God will establish His peace with all His creatures and bring them to absolute freedom of obedience.
Blessed be your Christmas, and peaceful your New Year.
