24th December

(Mary) give birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2, 7

The birth of Jesus Christ

The manger in which Jesus was laid at his birth is an expression of the egoism and hardness of the world which he comes into. There is no room in the inn for the poor people. Although they are tired travellers and the woman is about to give birth there is no room in the inn. However, a place would have been found if the guests were important.

Surely, the people of Bethlehem did not know anything about the worthiness of him who was born. Was it really necessary for human society to be overthrown so sadly so that David's descendants, Joseph and Mary should be humbled so much?

What a humbleness of the Son of God who so entered this world! He did not assert his rights but he went to such a place where the most deprived human being could find him. He, who is powerful and rich, wanted to be poor. Nothing could more bring to the fore God's grace! Here everything is in an absolute contrast with the principles which govern this world where everybody only dreams to exceed his neighbour.

In the past and today our hearts are led to a manger where this small child lies so that we can recognize him whom the angels described as "Christ, the Lord" when they spoke to the shepherds.