‘The Word became flesh…lived among us…’
Christmas is a time of celebration of the birth of Christ, our Lord. We are grateful for God’s faithfulness, generosity, love and care as we celebrate this Christmas with our families, friends and members of our communities. We prepare to celebrate in 2025 the 80th anniversary of our great movement, Pax Christi International. We cannot forget our sisters and brothers that are suffering among us and in a special way those across the globe that will not celebrate Christmas especially those in war situations and other forms of violence.
It is also the time to reflect on what God is communicating and asking of us… “When the time came for Mary to give birth to Jesus, there was no room except in a manger where Jesus was born and wrapped in swaddling clothes” (Luke 2:7).
Today this story resonates with millions of people in our world. Similar to Mary and Joseph’s experience, who wandered from place to place looking for a room they face rejection too. Let us journey with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, people whose land has been occupied and for decades have no place to call home, children born in gutters, in shattered houses from constant bombing and who have never known or experienced peace.
Let us journey with that woman giving birth in discomfort and away from home, as Mary did when she gave birth to her firstborn son, Jesus in a manger. Fathers in anguish as they desperately search for safety and security for their families as Joseph did.
People are searching for answers to their entrapment of unceasing wars, brokenness from efforts that seem futile, from watching their dashed hopes of a better tomorrow…their children and young people, whose potential and dreams are shattered…
Who are these people in my context? What is the Lord saying to me about them? What is my Christmas message and gift to them? Reflect … Search your heart and concretely respond…
As we continue these reflections, let us thank God for all these people and pray for a spirit of hope in the assurance that indeed “The word became flesh…lived among us… and from God’s fullness we have all received grace upon grace …” (John 1:14,16).“Our God is a mighty One who saves and rejoices over us with gladness, loves us and exult over us with song” (Zephaniah 3: 17). Indeed, we need not be afraid for “Our God is with us, a Comforter and Our Peace” (Ephesians 2:14).
Bishop (Em.) Marc Stenger and Sr. Wamuyu Wachira, Pax Christi International Co-Presidents
