This babe in the manger is God in human flesh, the Son of God, Jesus, who was born in grace with the good news of “glory to God in heaven, peace on earth to all people of goodwill”. It is a pleasant, peaceful and powerful season, where everyone in the world, specially Christians, greet with happy and thankful hearts, “Merry Christmas”. As we look into the eyes of the babe in the lowly stable, we are drawn to a divine moment of serenity, warmth, tranquility and calmness in our heart.
However this year, the Covid-19 pandemic has brought restrictions in the celebration of Christmas all over the world by government entities or by our own self and has cramped our style. It is indeed a test for the believers, whether we want to realize it or not and it’s automatic and mandatory. During this pandemic time, some of us are shattered, shaken, due to financial crisis, political restlessness, sickness and loneliness, depression and disinterest in life.
The babe in the manger, who left his home in heaven and came to earth, tells us, set your minds and hearts on things above and not on things on earth. Jesus, who took the form of a man, identified himself with all problems of life – from the womb, to the stable, to the garden, to the cross. He did not damage his mind by setting it on temporal things rather he set it on things that are eternal.
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, about the babe in the manger who is fully human and fully divine. This is the baby born to die, born to save and born to reign. Mary held the humble infant in her arms and Joseph the care taker took care of him as a father.
There is a controlling desire in the hearts of everyone today, and is tempted for power, position, status and recognition. With this power hunger the world has become almost like a lunatic asylum, killing anyone who stands on the way as a barrier, to achieve the throne.
It is here we have the example of a powerful leader, the babe in the manger as king of kings. He was clear about his choices in the wilderness and at the time of temptation. The clarity of his choice made him to declare that he is the Son of God, and he said, . “I am the way, the truth, and the life. His words had power as he spoke about himself as loving, powerful, and confident. He was full of self-knowledge and self-love.
Jesus the king had no army, but a group of 12 simple fishermen. He was an efficient team manager and gave such an effective training to his disciples. With training of their master, these 12 men, formed a great army in the name of Jesus for the whole world.
The babe in the manger knew his Father. He knew that he has to answer to the one who send him, all about his mission. He spend long hours with his Father, who is the source of his inner energy even without an interruption, communicating to his hearts content.
The babe in the manger was a teacher, Guru and a healer. But he never built a , temple or a synagogue, school or hospital. He neither wrote or distributed any books. But he knew his specific mission. He never waited for any approval from people but knew that real approval comes from God. Though he was a teacher he refused to engage in meaningless debates with people who argue and did not welcome his wise teachings. As a guru he trained his disciples to move off from people who were resistant to his ideas. He said “wipe the dust off your feet” – “do not cast your pearls before the swine”. He was convinced of his actions and it did not depend on what others said. It did not matter to him whether Caesar smiled or frowned.
The babe in the manger was a powerful leader. To be a leader requires a tremendous amount of energy. In the world today there are too many dictators and very few leaders. The leaders and politicians, who depend on opinion polls for their actions do not last long as true leaders. The true mark of Jesus leadership was that he was willing to stand alone for his values. Jesus thanked his Father always for listening to him, and prayed for those who were with him, very specially at the last supper. Gratitude is the key element of leadership, because gratitude means an open heart, a listening heart, a faith-filled heart.
With open eyes we should look at this babe in the manger, who dared to cleanse the temple by chasing away the business men and performed mighty miracles. He spend his energy on creation and restoration. He never judged others. He said “ I do not judge you. Your words will judge you”. He did not waste his time and energy in judging others.
The babe in the manger loved celebrations. At his birth a music band of the angels sang “Gloria” from heaven. Our life is full of opportunities to celebrate life. Even if there is no one to celebrate you, to give you gifts – celebrate yourself, because you are a gift of God, you are worthy of celebration.
The babe in the manger never compromised with truth. He called a spade a spade, out of boldness and clarity.
The babe in the manger is God’s love made visible. He spoke from mountain tops and did not mutter in the valleys. He came to bless, not to curse. To heal. To bring life and wipe away our tears and fears.
The babe in the manger is a message for us human beings. Many more virus attacks and pandemic times will come and go. But Jesus the message, the message of love and peace will remain for ever and for all ages to come. Celebration of CHRISTMAS will be continued.
