Emmanuel, which means God is with us, was the name given to Mary’s child and revealed to Joseph by an angel. It was also prophesied by Isaiah in the Old Testament.

The child born to us at Christmas is none other than the Word of God in the flesh. God has entered into direct and personal dialogue with human beings by becoming human. The light of the world shines among us. At last, God is one with us in all things but sin, so we can grow to be one with God.

At its core, Christmas celebrates the birthday of the Son of God who stooped down from heaven to be born as a helpless babe in a manger. That is why Christmas is such a human feast. This human hospitality is rooted in what it means to be a new creation; to be open to the stranger in our midst; and to be open to the child in all of us. We shall find Christmas whenever we accept ourselves as lovable and as loved by God; whenever we enable others to act lovingly and to love others for who they are. This is the true spirit of Christmas. This enables us to spread the Christmas cheer in brightly wrapped packages; in decorated trees; and in blazing hearths. This allows us to taste Christmas in candle-lit dinners; in steaming plum puddings; and in sparkling glasses of wine. The spirit of Christmas at this time of year can be heard in the harmony of choirs; and in the glad shouts of “Merry Christmas” echoing throughout the world.

The word of God has taken on flesh and blood and has entered our lives. Ultimately, Christmas means being willing to recognize that human nature has been transformed by Christ so we may be renewed.

The feast of Christmas is only a few days away. So, let’s make the best of the time that’s left to prepare for this awesome feast. Make a special effort to put on Christ, to reach out to those in need, to visit someone in hospital or in prison, to take someone into your home for Christmas dinner, to be kind to everyone you meet. These are a few examples of how to prepare to receive our Savior at Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

—Fr. Hugh Duffy