As we reflect upon the child in the manger this season, let us remember that the miracle of Christmas is God choosing to become human, to become one of us. God is no longer “out there” but rather “here,” among us. Indeed, the incarnate God is called Emmanuel, a name which means “God-is-with-us.”
But where? Where is God in today’s world? The God who was revealed 2,000 years ago by taking on human flesh is a God who came into our world as an outsider: weak, powerless, hidden in anonymity and without status. And that is where we will find God today: in the weakness of refugee families; in the powerlessness of those struggling with addiction; in the anonymity of the beggar on the street; in anyone considered an outsider because of their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or political affiliation.
The incarnation, according to Pope Francis, “calls us to recognize Jesus in others and to respond to the God of love by seeing God in others, going forth from ourselves always seeking the good of others.”
This Christmas, let us seek the Christ child here, among us — all of us!
Keith Kondrich
Swisshelm Park