Wednesday, 18 December 2013

Why was Messiah born in a manger?

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
                                       
 Why was the much-awaited Messiah born in a manger? I was curious about this for a long time. Jesus Christ could have come in any manner as nothing was impossible for God. The Anointed One could have come to this world as an emperor or a rich man.
  One day I happened to talk to Rev Fr Michael Panachikkal, VC about this – why did Jesus enter this world in this manner. Even the poorest of the poor could have afforded a better birth in those times.
What message does that give us in this Christmas season? “This is to make himself available to everyone -- the poor and the rich alike,” he told me.
 Thus the poor can relate to him… ohhh Jesus was born in such a poor environment. He was also poor like me. The rich can relate to Him in another way --- here’s the king of kings. The saviour of the mankind. Even three kings, who were actually gentiles, visited him soon after the birth.
 Is there a lesson for me and you? Yes. Am I available and approachable by everyone?  For example, when I go to the church or any place, does somebody say -- “Oh she doesn’t mingle with us but only to those rich and mighty people.” This must not be the case with us.
  If people, poor or middle class or upper class can feel comfortable dealing with us and can be friendly with us, we possess the attitude of Christ. This is more important in the light of the teaching of Pope Francis which says, “you should seek poor people… who are homeless and hungry… and those who are usually despised and overlooked and those who cannot repay you.”
 In this Christmas season we can watch ourselves and if necessary, change ourselves to be more like Christ.
-- SHEENA GEORGE

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