Dr Andareas Peter
In those days, a decree was issued by Caesar Augustus, mandating a census for the entire world. It marked the inaugural census during the governance of Quirinius in Syria. Consequently, people journeyed to their respective cities for enrolment, including Joseph, who ventured from Galilee, Nazareth, to Judea, the city of David, known as Bethlehem. This journey was necessitated due to Joseph’s lineage connection to David. Accompanying him was Mary, his betrothed, who was expecting a child. During their stay in Bethlehem, the time arrived for Mary to give birth. In humble circumstances, she delivered a son, wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and placed him in a manger since there was no lodging available for them in the inn. This narrative unveils the birth of Jesus, meticulously chronicled by Luke, a physician and contemporary of Jesus, who had ascertained the details regarding this event that had been passed on to him.
Two thousand years ago, Joseph and Mary covered that journey of 150 km from Nazareth to Bethlehem. It would have taken them four days of ‘a fairly gruelling journey’, carrying their belongings on a donkey. It is interesting to note that the two towns of Nazareth and Bethlehem were quite insignificant politically and socially. Nazareth was in the northern region, close to the Sea of Galilee, and Bethlehem in the southern region of Judea. “What good can come out of Nazareth”, was the common opinion about Nazareth. Bethlehem was considered as the least among the towns of Judah.

Christmas SPECIAL

This event of the birth of a child in a stable in Bethlehem, however, did not go unnoticed. On the contrary, it was proclaimed first to some shepherds who were keeping watch over their sheep. The announcement was by the angels of God: “An angel of the Lord appeared to them and said, “Be not afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger”. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of goodwill”.
GLORY, PEACE AND JOY
Glory, peace and joy are the three characteristics associated with the birth of Jesus, celebrated as Christmas. It’s difficult to imagine the glory of God in the birth of a child in a stable. Glory, for us humans, is associated with riches, power and pomp. In opposition to this comes the message of the helplessness of a couple to find a better place where their child could be born. The glory of God is not in the externals, but in the fulfilment of His plan in the fullness of time, for the prophet Isaiah had prophesied nearly 700 years earlier the birth of the Saviour, indicating Bethlehem as the place where he would be born. “The glory of God is a man fully alive!”, stated Irenaeus, a Christian philosopher and writer of the second century.
Peace is not merely the absence of war, but the feeling and assurance of total well-being; this well-being comes from God and will be experienced by all people of goodwill. The second group of people who came to know about the birth of Jesus consisted of three wise men from the East. They reached the palace of King Herod to enquire about the birth of the child who would be a king, thinking naturally that the prince would be born in a palace. This news upset King Herod who lost his peace of mind, so much so that he ordered the massacre of all babies in Bethlehem less than 2 years old.
GOOD NEWS BRINGS JOY TO EVERYONE
Tagore spoke of this when he said, “the birth of every child is a statement that God is not discouraged with our world”. Christmas brings joy to all because it is the remembrance and celebration that God assumed our lowly human nature so that we could share in his divine nature; that he would save mankind. Who does not long to receive joyful messages? What news is more welcome than that of the birth of a child – particularly of the first child to a couple? Christmas is the joyful news that the Saviour has been born!
PEOPLE OF GOODWILL
Joseph was the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus. “Before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband, Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to send her away quietly. But as he considered this, behold an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins,…” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife.
Joseph exemplifies for us the significance and implications of the expression ‘person of goodwill’. The first sign of his goodwill is his decision not to cause any moral or physical harm to Mary, his betrothed. According to the Jewish custom of the times, he could have denounced her for being unfaithful to him. This would result in not only public shame and humiliation for her and her family, but also in her being stoned to death. In the patriarchal society to which Joseph belonged, no man would have second thoughts about denouncing an unfaithful betrothed or wife. Yet, Joseph decided not to claim his right, for he was a man of goodwill. Secondly, and more importantly still, he believes in the dream that he has had, the assurances given to him in the dream, and he takes Mary as his wife and her child becomes his child. Was Joseph naïve? The man of goodwill would prefer to appear naive rather than cause any harm to another person, even the person who has wronged him. It is thus that Joseph exemplifies best the implications of being a man of goodwill.
THE CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
In this Christmas season of 2023, let the joyous melodies of carols and the glittering lights illuminate not just our homes but also the hearts of people around the world. As we come together to celebrate the birth of hope, let us extend a message of unity, compassion, and resilience to a world that has faced various challenges. In India, a nation rich in diversity and cultural heritage, this Christmas carries an extra layer of significance. It is an opportunity for people of different faiths, languages, and traditions to join hands in the spirit of brotherhood. This Christmas, let the festive spirit bridge gaps and foster understanding, transcending boundaries and promoting harmony among communities.
In the context of India, where vibrant celebrations and festivities are woven into the fabric of its culture, Christmas offers a moment to appreciate the secular ethos that binds the nation. The diverse traditions, whether it’s the midnight Mass, the exchange of gifts, or the feasting with family, contribute to the rich tapestry of the Indian celebration. As the country moves forward, facing its own set of challenges and triumphs, the message of Christmas serves as a reminder of the strength that comes from unity in diversity. May this festive season bring not only joy and merriment but also a renewed commitment to compassion, tolerance, and understanding. Merry Christmas to one and all, may the coming year be filled with peace, prosperity, and shared moments of joy.]

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