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The celebration of the winter holidays holds a special place in the culture and formation of almost every place on earth. It has as much to do with time and the cycle of the year, as with the commemoration of some of the greatest mysteries of faith known to humankind. It is certainly no secret, that for centuries before the advent of Christianity, peoples celebrated during this time of the year, in accord with the passing of the seasons. Particularly in parts north of the equator, the harvest had come to an end, and the days began to slowly render more daylight - a sign of the eventual passing of the long, dark nights of the year. The sun was particularly celebrated by many cultures, as the source of light and life for the earth.
With Christianity, many people began to see the meaning of the passing of the seasons in a new way. Jesus, for Christians is understood as, the Sun of Justice, who had come to bring light into the world (Jn. 1:9). This light is often referred to as the light of knowledge or wisdom. And not only did the celebration of Jesus coming signal a time of more physical light for the earth, but also a spiritual, metaphysical light. Christ was to emphasize the concept of Reign of God to humankind, signaling a new way of thinking and acting for the people of the world.
In the time of Jesus, as now, there was much going on in the world, and much of it was not right. People suffered countless difficulties and disengagements because of the failure of others to live lives which were based on justice and truth. Jesus chose to identify with those whose lives needed be liberated from oppression. From his very birth into this world, he was associated with those who needed Gods visitation. Jesus, who in the Christian scriptures is the visitor from on high (Lk. 1:78), found no room in the city of Bethlehem, which he could rightly call his own. Nevertheless, this same Jesus, who could not find hospitality in his own place, would inaugurate for countless people of the world, the hospitality of God. And it is not insignificant to remember, that it was the poor, marginalized shepherds of living in the environs of Bethlehem, who the scriptures portray as the first to experience Gods graciousness through Jesus.
Times and places may change over the years and things may look quite different than they did in biblical times or prior to that. What do not change however, are people and situations. Despite improvements in both technology and thinking, there remains today, much to be desired about the world. There is a great need to hear and listen to the words of our various faith traditions. There is still much lacking in creating a space for God to act, among ourselves and in our own communities. Rather than repeat the sorry accounts of world history as we know it, I ask that we each try to make a thoughtful effort towards betterment, which has its foundations in the light of real knowledge, true wisdom and honest truthfulness. Only in this way, can we make Gods hospitality present in the part of the world we each find ourselves to be in.
I take this opportunity to greet you all at these end-of-the-year celebrations. It is my hope and prayer that this may it be a time to loosen a sense of bondage to the limitations of the past and to open wide the doors through which we can find the path to a furtherance in every good thing. Happy holidays and a blessed new year to you all.
Bishop Michael J. Champion is the Pastor of Parroquia Católica San José in Montrose, the President of the Peekskill Area Pastors Association (PAPA) and Archbishop, Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church.
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