Love came down

By Bishop Leonard Fairley

“And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.”—John 1:14

Salvation history has its beginning in these profound words from the Gospel of John. Therefore, it is a right and good thing to celebrate our freedom from captivity, sin and death—freedom that is shining brightly in the eyes of Bethlehem’s child, Jesus, the Son of the Living God.

Prophets and hymn writers invite us to rejoice in this Christmas gift from God that redeems all of creation.

“For a child has been born for us, a son has been given to us; authority rests on his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” —Isaiah 9:6

“Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, Love divine, Love was born at Christmas; Star and angels gave the sign.” —Christina G. Rossetti, 1885

In the silence of the night, God’s word made flesh leaped down from the creator’s throne of glory, not in splendor or majesty, but in the voice of a child’s cry that pierced the night. In the humility of a stable, among shepherds and the marginalized, God sends God’s final word of peace, love, and justice. Therefore, as we anticipate Christmas Day, let our hearts rejoice and give God praise, that God’s word may live in us.

May we find the courage to say with Mary, “Let it be to me according to your word,” so that God might birth in us a light that overcomes all darkness. Joy to world, the Lord has come!

Christmas Eyes

In the eyes of a Bethlehem Jewish baby.

God gazes upon the world for the very first time

through human eyes.

In the scream of a newborn baby delivered in

the cave of shepherd’s field God speaks for the

very first time with human voice.

In the powerful tender grip of a baby’s fingers

intertwined with those of homeless parents God

holds fast to creation.

Who could have believed the cost of such a grip

would be nail prints, bloodstained tears, cries of

abandonment?

What Child indeed is this!

—By Leonard E. Fairley

Merry Christmas, and peace on earth.