The birth of Jesus Christ carries a profound meaning in the Christian tradition.
It represents the incarnation of God, that is, God choosing to become human in order to live among men.
This marks a major turning point in the relationship between God and humanity.
« The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”) »(Matthew 1:23)
This passage refers to a prophecy of Isaiah (Isaiah 7:14) and emphasizes that the birth of Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise to live among men.
« The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. »(John 1:14)
This verse emphasizes that Jesus is the Word of God incarnate, living among men.
It shows the idea that God chooses to make himself close to humanity by becoming man.
Indeed, Jesus, by his birth, shows that God desires an intimate and personal relationship with human beings, that he wants to bring them closer to himself and integrate them into a divine family.
« Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. »(John 1:12-13)
This verse explains that those who believe in Jesus and accept him into their lives are given the power (or right) to become children of God. This is not a natural sonship, but a spiritual sonship that results from the will of God.
« So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. »(Galatians 3:26)
This passage indicates that faith in Jesus Christ allows one to become sons of God, a spiritual adoption that is done through faith.
« Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother. »(Matthew 12:50)
Jesus teaches that those who follow God’s will become members of his spiritual family, a divine family formed around Him.
« Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. »(Ephesians 2:19-22)
This passage shows that, through Jesus, we are united in a divine family, where Jesus is the foundation and the link between us the members.
Thus, the birth of Jesus is not only a historical event, it is also and above all a strong spiritual message: God makes himself close, He chooses to live among us and to offer a deep relationship, based on love and brotherhood.
PRAYER:
Lord our God, give us to understand that you are with us and in us.
It is in the precious name of your son Jesus Christ that we ask for it, Amen.
Apostle Jean-Claude SINDAYIGAYA