1996Christmas - Full sheets

Our ancestors celebrated the festivities of light since prehistoric times, knowing the calendar of the changes of day and night. The Christmas story completes the birth of light by the birth of the child. How do we experience and explain this Christmas story? Each of us does it in a different way – because we are different as persons, but also in the same way – at least regarding its universality. But, what’s really going on in this story from the New Testament? What does it bring to all people? It could be expressed by quoting the voices brought from heaven by the angels’ trumpets on the occasion of the birth of the Son of God. Ever since then it seems as if that voice sounds from heaven on every Christmas Eve: “God be praised! Peace on earth among God and the people.” This year again, with the advent of Christmas, the Angel Gabriel will enter our homes again, the sky above Bethlehem will light up, and the shining star will again announce His birth to the new generation. The Magi will again go there to bow in adoration. Celebrating it, we shall do the same on Christmas Day. Around the festival table, the decorated Christmas trees and the bright fire which must not be let to go out during the night according to tradition, the human spirit will once again get strength for the new era that is waiting for us.