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Which two words do you think are most often used to describe Christmas? In my opinion, it is JOY and PEACE. Both are also regularly heard at Christmas greetings. Even on the outside, everyone tries to live these words – to enjoy being with their neighbors and protect themselves from all the mistakes disturbing our moments together. The newborn Son of God gives us joy and peace so that we can spread them further and further. It still means under all circumstances. The joy and peace we receive are not meant to last only now or until the New Year, nor is it meant to serve only for our benefit, but to reach all people, even those with whom we do not get along. Sv. Stefan believed in Christ and was chosen among the first deacons. He did not experience the joy and peace of the gospel only in the first moments of his faith, but he also preserved them in the rough moments when his life hung in the balance and finally ended violently. This peace helped him forgive his tormentors and may have been the beginning of the conversion of St. Pavla, who guarded the clothes of furious stoners as a young man.

If we want, we can let ourselves be filled with the abundant joy and peace experienced by the people gathering at the manger. But you have to be able to keep that peace. It often happens that we can’t even bring it correctly home. Even after leaving the church, little things can turn us off, e.g., that the other driver did not give us priority, that children are running and not paying attention to cars, or similar things. These are not small things, but they often cause more anxiety than is necessary for ordinary caution. When we lose peace, so does joy. And our mission of peace-spreaders is failing because of this. And if we are to spread peace and joy to strangers, it is all the more difficult because we have nothing to do with them, and many could be stolen from us. But the joy of Christ is to reach all people; therefore, we must not be idle so that they, and after all, neither do we lose precious gifts because of our laziness. But we will remain steadfast and faithful disciples of Christ, especially when we maintain this rare peace and joy despite difficult life circumstances.

Not everyone has to experience persecution, where you can endure only with God’s help. Even if we suffer from many material and spiritual shortcomings, such as poverty or pain, we can maintain life’s optimism that with God’s help, things will get better, and we can be an encouragement to those around us. After all, the essence of martyrdom is to give up something of yourself, or even all of yourself, for the love of Christ and in the constant hope that he will give us true joy and happiness. And in these everyday life situations, we often have to renounce ourselves. When we do it with a smiling face, we fulfill our role as peacemakers excellently.

This event occurred in the Russian countryside three years after the Bolshevik Revolution. Communists came to the village to create a collective farm. The priest had been in exile in Siberia for a long time, so the temple was turned into a shed. Citizens signed up for fear of starvation and gave the remnants of their farms to the party. Young Sergej had nothing to give because there was nothing left at home. He started working in the new Kolkhoz as a reaper. He was very friendly, and his colleagues liked him. But the party did not like him. He never stopped expressing his religious beliefs. He prayed regularly and did not forget to bless himself before work and eating. He seemed dangerous to the party members. They tried to make his life as unpleasant as possible. They gave him hard work and the most demanding meadows, and they kept moving him, but they could not change his friendly behavior or religious beliefs. He ended up in bass. Here, he suffered just as much, if not more, because it was primarily non-political prisoners who gave him trouble.

He became the target of ridicule and humiliation for his “religious naivety.” But nothing broke him. When a fellow prisoner asked him how he could endure in such a fortress, he said: “Why should I cry and curse, when I know that if God has visited me once and pleased me and will not leave me again, but is waiting for me to come to him in faithfulness. “That’s what happened before too long. Exhausted, he fell one day and died two weeks later with a blissful expression on his face. And his fellow prisoners, excited by such perseverance, never gave up their joy, the only one that no one could take away from them. Let the joy and peace that we bear shine through our lives, especially where there is sadness. 

Brothers and sisters! During these festive days, everyone probably wishes to spend them in peace. We want happiness, health, and joy and give each other gifts. Our attitude expresses how we imagine an ideal Christmas. This is how we would like to experience them ourselves. Enough is said about love between people, about understanding and forgiveness. We seem kinder, more willing, considerate, and more tolerant towards each other. Sometimes, it looks like some idyll that is far from reality. I don’t want to disturb the well-being of any of us. I want to spend Christmastime like this. We all fondly remember the time when we were still small. We were looking forward to Christmas dinner. We were looking forward to the gifts. Well, they weren’t just gifts. We also enjoyed family traditions.

I don’t want to burden you with memories on this day. We all have some. Well, the older we get, the more we realize that if we stick to wishes and wishes during Christmas, no matter how sincerely expressed, it’s nice, but it’s not enough. If we want peace, we must create peace and live with others. In the Scriptures’ words: To regard others as more worthy than oneself. If we wish for well-being, we must take care of it ourselves. And so we can forgive each other and won’t just play some theater during those days, it’s completely fine between us. If we want love, we must give it and spread it selflessly, without any expectations. It will not fall from the sky itself. And when we wish for tolerance and consideration, we must commit ourselves to it. In other words, behave tolerantly and considerately.

And we hope the whole family will get together, it’s pleasant because not all families are together these days. However, even lonely people, abandoned by their families and forgotten by society, live Christmas today. How do they experience the time of joy and delight? If we base ourselves only on having enough of everything – both for eating and drinking – Let us also thank God that we are not in need! That we have a roof over our heads. We have those with us who care about us, and we care about them. These are not self-evident or automatic things. Well, let’s also think about those who are not allowed this! Let’s think of the seriously ill, for whom this Christmas may be the last in their lives! Let us think of people who are going through difficult trials. Let’s remember the children in hospitals and orphanages! We think of the unemployed and the needy, who must humble themselves. How will all of them experience the “Silent and Holy Night”?

Dear believers, why should we ask such severe questions at the beginning of the festive days? Because we are no longer children, we look at this time differently than we did years ago. We have to ask ourselves these uncomfortable questions because it is reality. Today, we are led by the spirit of the times to a material view of these holidays. We are bombarded with challenges from all sides; what else do we need for a peaceful and wonderful Christmas,  without which we will certainly not survive happily? I guarantee we are still missing some great products for a peaceful Christmas.

But let’s not forget that the magic of these days lies in other content. If we don’t fill Christmas with spiritual content and stay only on the material level, we will enjoy some gifts for a while, but even the best surprise will become ordinary. I mean that unless the holidays of the birth of Jesus Christ change us internally and long-term, unless this time leads us to reflect on life and the values ​​for which we live, unless this time brings us closer to God, the originator and source of love, peace, peace, forgiveness, tolerance, willingness, or consideration – then it will not be a good and fully lived time. As I already indicated, even during this Christmas, there are quite a few people in the world who are fighting. I don’t even think about war conflicts. Instead, I think of the internal struggles of specific people. Seriously ill, abandoned, etc.

Of course, even that first Christmas was probably anything but ideal. It must have been tough to walk in labor pains crisscrossing Bethlehem and be rejected with everything occupied. It must have been an internal struggle to bring a child into the world among the animals in the stable – in the smell, the dirt, and the harsh conditions of the stone cave. And yet. Neither Maria nor Jozef gave up then. Mary did not protest when she learned that she would become the mother of Jesus. Joseph did not object to marrying his pregnant fiancée. They did not even protest against the order of the emperor Augustus and finally humbly accepted the manager for the animals as a cradle for the newborn child. And all this in the joy that they could be at God’s historical intervention. That they could be involved. That they could participate in it. That it was they who had the grace to bring into the world and further educate the future Savior of the whole world.

You are correct that Christmas is still a struggle for many today. For the sick person, this struggle may consist of a decision – will I accept my lot in silence, humility, and, at the same time, hope? Jesus came also to carry me through death and give me eternal life in his kingdom… This struggle consists of a possible decision for someone without a job-will. I accept that my life has meaning and value even if I don’t work. Even so big that the little born boy then gave his life for me? For a well-off person, the Christmas struggle may lie in a decision – will I think more and support those who have found themselves in need through no fault of their own? God has blessed me a lot… For our children, this struggle probably consists of a decision – will I accept the born Jesus into my young life as a model of how to be a parent and obedient to authorities, or will I continue to pretend that everything always and every time has to revolve only around me? For parents, the Christmas struggle lies in the decision: Will I tell my children about this Jesus more than once a year at Christmas? Will I accompany them to the temple so they recognize from a young age that they are a part of the big family – the church? Will I fulfill my promise to God at my child’s baptism? This time is a time of internal struggle in one ordinary matter: whether? Well, we could continue like this.

Brothers and sisters, this time is a time of internal struggle in one ordinary matter: whether I will accept the newborn Jesus and the message he brings into my life. Therefore, let us all open our lives to Him who came so we may have abundant life. For the One who came with love, tranquility, peace, reconciliation, forgiveness, self-sacrifice – and wants to fill this Christmas and the whole next year with all of this in us and our families. 

In the 5th century BC, faith weakened, and hopelessness manifested itself. Many, looking at the achievements of idolaters, were subject to doubts about God’s justice. The wicked do better in life. Where is God who judges? Through the prophet Malachi, God responds to the reproaches of the people by sending his messenger (angel) to prepare the way for them. Immediately after this predecessor, the expected Messiah will come to his temple as King and Judge.

God identifies himself with the Messiah and thus clearly indicates his divinity. In the prophecy, the Messiah is called an Angel or the Messenger of the Covenant because he will conclude a new covenant between God and the New Testament God’s people. He will carry out the moral cleansing of people and priests who have fallen into spiritual superficiality and official carelessness. This purification is compared to heating precious metals with fire and washing lye, which have cleansing effects. The Messiah will establish a pure sacrifice that will please the Lord. He compares the Messiah’s predecessor to the prophet Elijah. This comparison, as well as the prediction about the arrival of the messenger who is supposed to prepare the way for the Lord, was applied by Jesus himself to John the Baptist (Mt 11:10; 17:10-13; Luke 1:2; 9:11-13; Luke 1:17; 7.27).

The Birth of John the Baptist » Lk 1, 57-66

In this sense, the birth of John the Baptist testifies to the fulfillment of the promise of the messenger before the promised Messiah. After his birth, relatives and neighbors rejoiced with his mother, Elizabeth, because they saw a great blessing in the child. Amazingly, both parents gave him the same name, John, which means God is gracious. People wondered: What will this boy be?

And God’s blessing was with him from his birth. He did not let bad influences affect him but took his profession seriously and with personal responsibility before God. He went to the desert, where he led an austere life of penance, prayer, and self-denial. Furthermore, he became significant in his life’s holiness and mission. He was preparing the way for the Messiah Jesus with the zeal of Elijah. The boy grew into a great personality. He was a man of God who was able to put his life behind the ideal to which he dedicated himself.

The wicked are better off than we are. – A contemporary person also makes such a reproach with a sense of injustice. But the good of the wicked is fleeting. A believer has permanent good and salvation in Jesus Christ. Do we allow ourselves to be influenced by the saving power of Jesus? Today’s psalm encourages us: Lift your heads; your redemption is near. This Christmas, Jesus wants to come to us as our personal Savior and Redeemer. How do we receive it?

Today’s passage from the Gospel can direct my attention to various relationships in my life. Maria rushed to Elizabeth because she found someone who perceived what happened in her life, what happened under her heart, who “heard” her even without words, understood her, and knew how to please her. Maria and Elizabeth are my role models for how we should help each other, encourage each other, and give each other additional strength and courage. Their beautiful relationship is a challenge for spouses to understand what kind of gift they should be for each other. It is also a challenge for parents to find the greatest treasure of their lives in their children and enjoy them.

Every day, I get many opportunities to meet Jesus in another person. I will learn to enjoy every meeting, family, neighborhood, work, or friendship. And just as Mary carried Jesus under her heart, I also had the opportunity to bring Jesus in my heart to the people around me. I will open my spiritual eyes, and in these pre-Christmas days, I will try to let the light of Jesus “shine” through me as much as possible. So that people feel peace, love, joy, and acceptance through me. Who will I bring Jesus to today?
Lord, let me be a light to all around.

 Isaiah and his followers found themselves in the worst conditions ever in the kingdom of Judah. Many who had previously resisted the temptations of idolatry were now persuaded to participate in the worship of pagan deities. The princes of Israel neglected their responsibility; false prophets arose with their seductive prophecies, and even some priests taught the people only for profit. However, the leaders of the apostasy still performed religious ceremonies and were counted among God’s people. The prophet Micaiah, who performed his prophetic ministry in this troubled time, declared that the sinners in Zion who claim to “trust in the Lord” are blaspheming when they say: “Is not the Lord among us? Nothing bad will happen to us.” These people “build Zion with blood and Jerusalem with iniquity” (Mic 3:11, 10). (322) The prophet Isaiah pointed out these iniquities and reprimanded them severely: “Hear the word of the Lord, princes of Sodom, listen to the teaching of our God, people of Gomorrah! What do I need? What is the number of your victims? – says the Lord… Who asked you to tread my courts when you appear before me?” (Is 1,10-12). Scripture says: “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, especially when it is offered for a shameful deed” (Proverbs 21:27). God, “your eyes are pure to look at evil” (Hab 1,13). God does not turn away from the sinner because He does not want to forgive him but because he rejects the grace freely offered, and God cannot deliver him from sin against his will. “The Lord’s hand is not too short to save, and his ear is not so deaf that it does not hear, but your iniquities have become a barrier between you and your God! Your sins have hidden his face from you, so he does not hear” (Isaiah 59:1,2). Solomon wrote: “Woe to you, land, if a child is your king” (Ecclesiastes 10:16). That’s how it was with Judea. By constantly transgressing God’s commandments, its rulers became children. Isaiah warned that the position of the people among the surrounding nations was uncertain and pointed out the consequences of ungodly leaders. He said: “The Lord, the Lord of hosts, will remove from Jerusalem and Judah all the support of bread and all the support of water, the hero and the warrior, the judge and the prophet, the soothsayer and the old man, (323) the commander over fifty and the noble man, the counselor, and the expert in magic (172) and capable spell caster. I will give them boys as princes, and their will rule over them.” “Truly Jerusalem has stumbled, and Judah has fallen, because their language and actions are against the Lord” (Is 3,1-4.8). The prophet continued: “O my people, your leaders are deceivers and make confusion in the way you should walk” (Isaiah 3:12). These words were fulfilled to the letter by King Ahas. We read about him: “But he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and even made molten idols for the Baals.” He burned incense in the valley of Ben-Hinton,” “even he had his son lead through the fire according to the abominable custom of the nations that the Lord drove out from before the Israelites” (2 Par 28,2,3; 2 Kings 16,3). This period was difficult for the chosen nation. The enemy will soon scatter the twelve tribes of the kingdom of Israel among the Gentile nations. The prospects for the Kingdom of Judah were also bleak. The number of followers of good was rapidly dwindling, while the forces of evil continued to increase. Looking at this state, the prophet Micah had to declare: “The godly have disappeared from the land; there is no honest man among men.” “The best of them is like a thistle, and the most honest of them is like a thorn hedge” (Mic 7,2.4). “If the Lord of hosts had not left us a small remnant, we would have been like Sodom; we would have resembled Gomorrah” (Is 1:9).  God, for the sake of his faithful and out of infinite love for those who wandered, is forgiving for a long time and admonishes the rebellious to stop doing evil and return to him. Through the called men, he sends them “precept upon precept, precept upon precept, here is a little, there a little” (Isaiah 28:10) and teaches transgressors the way of justice. It was similar during Ahas’s reign. Wandering Israel received call after call to return and be faithful to the Lord. When the prophets compassionately and lovingly admonished the people to repent and improve, their words bore fruit to God’s glory. Micah’s call was admirable: “Hear what the Lord says: Arise! Start a lawsuit before the hills. Let the hills hear your voice! Hear, you mountains, the judgment of the Lord, and you, firm foundations of the earth! Because the Lord has a dispute with his people, he judges Israel. My people, what have I done to you? What have I burdened you with? Answer me! For I brought you out of Egypt, redeemed you from the house of slavery; I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam before you. My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered him. Remember your journey, from Shittim to Gilgal, that you may know  the righteous acts of the  Lord. (Mic 6:1-5). The God we serve is forgiving and long-suffering. “His mercy never ends” (Lamentations 3:22). Throughout the time of grace, God’s Spirit begged man (325) to accept the gift of life. (173) “As I live – declares the Lord God – I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but in the fact that the wicked turn from his way of life and live. Turn away, turn away.