NGUYEN: The invaluable gift of Presence

Presents have been opened, wrapping papers and bows discarded and decorations stored. While celebrations in the secular world end on Dec. 25, Catholic Christians begin the Christmas season that continues for a couple of weeks through the Baptism of the Lord. Indeed, Jesus’ birth marks this holy season.

Baby Jesus — the Messiah, the ruler of Israel — is the greatest gift given to us by God the Father. Jesus takes on human flesh and is born of a virgin to dwell among us as the profound sign heralded (Is 7:14 and Mic 5:2) and later fulfilled (Lk 2:7) to make known the love of the invisible God to the world.

This humble birth occurred in Bethlehem, a poor, small but prominent town where our Savior was born (Mt 2:1,5-8; Lk 2:4,15; Jn 7:42). “Bethlehem” itself translates to the “House of Bread” (Hebrew) and the “House of Meat” (Aramaic). No further explanations are needed. The significance of Jesus as the Bread of Life is explicitly declared, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world” (Jn 6:51). In fact, no other food has the power to give us everlasting life; only those who feast on this bread will never be hungry again (Jn 6:51).

The manger is a sure sign of invitation and openness, not just for the shepherds but to all. Imagine if Jesus had been born in a royal palace; the poor shepherds would not have had access to Him. If Jesus were born in a family home, the shepherds, as strangers, probably would not even be allowed to enter. But Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in a cave in the shepherds’ field, so that He might be accessible to everyone who seeks Him. Still, now, this gift of Presence rests in every tabernacle, beckoning us to come to the “trough” and feed on Him, especially during this time of Eucharistic Revival.

Just as animals are fed on food and drink from the trough or manger, so are we to be nourished on the Eucharist, the spiritual food and drink for our souls. This precious food was freely given at the first Christmas, the incarnation, and continues being unreservedly given at every Mass in a mysterious and sacramental way. Certainly, God has fulfilled His promise to be with us until the end of time through the Word made flesh and dwelt among us (Jn 1:14) – the Emmanuel (Mt 1:23), the Eucharist — to strengthen and to accompany each of us on our earthly journey towards heaven, our true home.

For our New Year’s resolution in 2024, perhaps we need to rediscover the invaluable gift that lies hidden in the nativity scene. Let us respond with earnest love to God’s invitation, “All you who are thirsty, come buy grain and eat without money, wine and milk without cost!” (Is 55:1).

During the entire Christmas season of our liturgical year, I pray that you continue to take time to reflect upon the important foundations of the Christian faith: that the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior, is God’s gift of Presence and love for the world. This is the true meaning of Christmas. 

Sister Maria Goretti Thuy Nguyen, OP, is an associate director with the Archdiocesan Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.

(Photo by Julian Kumar / Godong)