The Word became flesh and dwelt among us (Jn. 1:14)
To the clergy and the faithful people,
Beloved children in the Lord,
I
These words summarize and express the meaning of the feast of Christmas in the most profound and perfect way. If we concentrate to understand the significance of this great mystery, in which the Son and Word of the Father became incarnate and became man, then we will be able to participate in the spiritual celebration and joy, and we will feel within us the transforming power of experiencing this event. The Incarnation is not simply a miracle or a mystery worthy of admiration; it is the greatest gift that could be given to humanity. The Son and Word of God becomes incarnate and descends beside human pain and suffering, touches the distortion of our nature to straighten it, revealing to us the depth of compassion and profound humility that springs from His infinite love for the whole world. Saint Athanasius the Great expressed this astounding truth laconically: The Son of God became man, so that we might become gods.
As we continue to prepare for the celebration of Christmas, it is good for us to remember that this great feast is not about the birth of a teacher, prophet, or lawgiver. The eternal God intervenes in history and becomes man, without ceasing to be fully God, to bring us into His holiness, to make us partakers of the divine nature, to heal, raise up, and fulfill our fallen and deformed humanity. Through the presence of His divine energy, Christ, the God-Man, activates, empowers, and vivifies our human nature and unites us with God — something that no teacher, prophet, or lawgiver could ever do.
II
Christmas invites us to participate in the calling of the angels, to praise Him together with them: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill among men (Lk. 2:14). However, the announcement of Christ’s Birth was not made in the same way to everyone: to the humble shepherds came an angel, because their hearts were humble and open; to the Wise Men of the East, who thirsted for seeking, was given a star and again an angel to guide them. But to the proud and cunning rulers, the news brought not joy but fear, darkness, and rejection, and they sought to kill the newborn infant. The event is offered to all, but bears fruit only in those who have desire, humility, and good intention. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him; but to all who received Him… He gave the right to become children of God — writes Saint John (Jn. 1:11-12).
For every person who seeks inner peace, truth, and fullness, the joyful and radiant feast of Christmas comes as a ray of hope, consolation, and peace. In one of his sermons, Saint John Chrysostom says: What then can be equal to these good tidings? God on earth, man in Heaven; and all things were united together… and reconciliation was made between God and our nature… death was destroyed, paradise was opened, the curse was erased, sin was removed from the way, error was banished, truth returned, the word of godliness was sown everywhere and flourished in its growth, the society of Heaven was transferred to earth, or rather, earthly things were bound to heavenly things (Homily on Christmas).
III
Beloved brothers and sisters! We must proclaim this good news with joy and witness with zeal and without tiring that God now dwells among us. A faithful witness saves lives — says the wise Solomon (Prov. 14:25). It is the duty of every Christian to spread and share this light with the whole world, because only by sharing it with others can the light be maintained and increased; otherwise, it will grow dim and eventually disappear. Now, more than ever, the world needs the light of Christ. It is necessary, because a life without the presence of the Lord becomes miserable, turning into a life without love, without joy, without light: a life in darkness. Only His presence can illuminate our hearts and souls and can give our life light and joy. He is the light in our darkness, and His teaching, says the psalmist, is a lamp for our journey in this life.
To celebrate spiritually the Birth of Christ, let us take care during these festive days to experience more deeply the holiness and majesty of this divine gift. We can accomplish this by purifying our hearts from all wickedness and filling them with love and humility toward all people, especially toward those in need — in poverty, in illness, in despair, and in loneliness. The Lord Himself identifies Himself with people in need, saying to us: For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me…. Truly I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me (Mt. 25:35-40). Only by doing these things will Christmas have a true meaning, and everything in us will be illuminated by the Word made flesh.
Merry Christmas and for many years!
+ Joani
Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania
