Because Christmas has become part of today's popular culture, the way we see the events that make up the Christmas revelation, may be diminished by thinking of them as myth, or simply sentimental stories. The opposite is the reality. Since the day man was expelled from Eden, and the Prince of Darkness enter to rule the earth, a plan was set in place to defeat the darkness, and restore man once again to God's grace. The image of the light, emanating from the star over Bethlehem, is the sign that the days of the rule of darkness are numbered.
Some may easily fail to see, in the helpless babe in Mary's arms, the champion of God, sent to do battle with the darkness, and defeat it, but the slaughter of the Holy Innocence, clearly demonstrates that darkness did recognise him and tried to destroy him.
The liturgy for the feast of the Epiphany, opens with these words. "Behold, the Lord, the Mighty One, has come; and kingship is in his grasp, and power and dominion." Malachi 3:1 & 1 Chronicles 29:12. The prophets of old, knew well, and foretold of this impending battle with God's enemies.
By connecting the cradle of Bethlehem to the Cross of Calvary, we are able to grasp the importance of the Christmas stories. The true joy, that is the grace of Christmas, comes from knowing our Champion reigns, he is here with us in our daily battles with the darkness. Our God has triumphed and so shall we.
The liturgy of the Epiphany ends with this solemn blessing;
- May God, who has called you out of darkness into his wonderful light, pour out in kindness his blessing upon you and make your hearts firm in faith, hope and charity. Amen
- And since in all confidence you follow Christ, who today appeared in the world as a light shinning in darkness, may God make you, too, a light for your brothers and sisters. Amen.
- And so when your pilgrimage is ended, may you come to him whom the Magi sought as they followed the star and whom they found with great joy, the Light from Light, who is Christ the Lord. Amen
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