god among us

​God Among Us
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Over the centuries, many have struggled with their understanding as to why God would come here by such humble means to redeem us. This little story that I heard long ago, still preaches today to help many understand God’s Incarnation Christmas story. 
​Once upon a Christmas Eve, a man sat in reflective silence before the fireplace, pondering the meaning of Christmas. "There is no point to a God who became man, he mused. "Why would an all-powerful God want to share even one of His precious moments with the likes of man? And even if He did, why would He choose to be born in a smelly stable? No way! The whole thing is absurd! I'm sure that if God wanted to come down to earth, He would have chosen some other way." Then suddenly, the man was roused from his reverie by a strange sound outside. He went to the window and saw a small gaggle of geese frantically honking and aimlessly flopping about in the snow. They seemed so dazed and confused. Apparently, they had landed, in total exhaustion, from a flight formation on its way from the Arctic Islands to the warmer climate of the Gulf of Mexico. Moved to compassion, the man tried to "shoo" the poor geese into his warm barn, but the more he tried to "guide them," the more they panicked. "If they only realized I'm only trying to help them and do what's best for them," he thought to himself. "How can I make them understand my concern for their well-being?" Then, this thought came to him: "If I could become an ordinary goose and communicate with them in their own language, they would know what I am trying to do." At that moment, he realized why God came to this earth in Christ Jesus and a tear came to his eye. Suddenly, the Christmas story no longer seemed absurd. Suddenly, he was able to picture that ordinary-looking Infant, lying in the manger in Bethlehem. He then fully knew the answer to his disbelief of the Christmas story. Our Creator God had to become one of us, to show us and tell us, in human terms how much He loves us!
Christmas Blessings,
Fr. Greg+

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