Christmas 2023

INTIMACY The word intimacy is derived from the Latin "intimus", meaning inner or inmost. To be intimate with another is to have access to, and to comprehend, his/her inmost character. Is there an example of intimacy that is more compelling than a pregnant woman and her child; life drawing new life from another?  Jesus the Son of God could have reveal his presence to the world in many different ways. We see some of these ways in the Old Testament. But Jesus chose incarnation in human form for a very important reason. By taking on humanity Jesus makes it possible for us to see God and to enter into an intimate relationship with God. Now we see God with our own eyes, there he is. Now it becomes possible to get to know this person, a relationship can begin to unfold - or not as one chooses. Consider this example, a vacant house across the street from you has been purchased and a new person has just moved in. The possibility of the many stages of relationship with that person are now open to you. You did not choose him as your neighbour he chose to move in on your street. Where things will go from here is an open question, from never knowing even his name to a deep an caring friendship are possible. Jesus is a real historical person and not someone just made up. This is what Christmas is all about, Jesus moving in on our street. His coming is his choice and it is he who chooses to move into our life. What is more, he comes with the distinct purpose of having an intimate relationship with us, if we will have it.  The question Christmas asks us now is where on the intimacy scale does our relationship with Jesus stand?