The joy of Christmas is near. What we have been waiting for is almost here. Along with the external decorations, today’s Liturgy “interrogates” us: What have you done to welcome the Lord?

The readings from the Word of God show us the invitation to always be ready to welcome the Lord. First of all, there is the announcement sent to a small, remote village, that is, Bethlehem. The biblical tradition tells us that God often favors the little things. Or rather, those who humbly recognize themselves as little will be visited by the Lord. The prophet Micah invites: Bethlehem, do not be ashamed of your small and unknown status, but rejoice because from you will come forth one who is destined to rule Israel. And so, that joyful day has come. The Son of God made man was born here. Bethlehem became the “landing place” of the Second Person of the Trinity, and thus it is known to the whole world to this day and forever.

If Bethlehem seemed surprised to be visited by the ruler of Israel, another woman, Elizabeth, was also very surprised and amazed to be welcomed by the Lord. When she met her cousin, the Virgin Mary, she exclaimed: “Why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? Indeed, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord .” Elizabeth’s words were full of meaning, expressing both surprise and praise and thanksgiving to God. Elizabeth was deeply moved because she thought of her humble status, just as Bethlehem of old did not expect that one day she would be visited.

Saint Luke tells us that after the Annunciation, the Virgin Mary set out in haste, traveling about 150 kilometers to reach her cousin. Mary carried with her a joyful and grateful mood. Moreover, she also carried the Savior she was carrying in her womb. The song of thanksgiving that the Virgin Mary was inspired to utter afterwards expressed her own surprise, and at the same time realized that she was so small but was raised by God, so that “from now on and forever, people will call me blessed, because the Almighty has done great things for me . “

The mystery of Christmas is truly wonderful, because it is the humility of the Son of God. The author of the letter to the Hebrews borrowed the sentiments of the Psalm to describe the humble obedience of Jesus: “Here I am, O God, to do your will .” Kneeling beside the manger during the Christmas season, let us meditate on the humility of God. Bethlehem was once a small, remote village, blessed to become the place where the Lord was born. The Virgin Mary and Elizabeth were both humble and small people, who carried the Lord and were visited by the Lord. Because of obedience, the exalted Word became small and humble to carry out the will of the Father. He took on the same condition as us, except for sin. Today, He is still humbly present in the Eucharist, and in the lives of the poor, the little ones, the lonely, the forgotten in the world.

Each of us, as Christians, what have we done specifically to celebrate Christmas and welcome the Lord into our lives? External decorations are necessary and important, but they must go hand in hand with a concrete spirit and good will to welcome the Lord into our lives. Of course, that is the good will to repent, receive the Sacraments, and participate in the Liturgy. But it is also welcoming Jesus in the small, simple, and lonely people. Because God always remembers them, even identifies with them, so that when we help these brothers and sisters, we are helping God himself.

Christmas comes and goes every year. What remains, if not the joy that Jesus brings to humanity, along with His message: Love one another as I have loved you. Be the light of the world. Spread the good and true things in this life so that the Kingdom of God can truly come to everyone. Behold, I will be with you every day until the end of the world. These are the words that help us meditate and pray beside the manger during the Christmas season.

Let us follow the example of the Virgin Mary of Nazareth, opening our hearts to receive the Savior. Together with her, we set out to tell everyone living in today’s society: THE WORD BECAME FLESH AND DWELLED WITH US.

+Archbishop Joseph Vu Van Thien