Bearing Christ, Welcoming Christ

Luke 1 : 39 - 45

Christmas holds much meaning when we consider how we can bear Christ to others and how we can welcome Christ in the lives of others. At times I am open enough for Christ's coming to appreciate the gift. At other times, I am caught up in my own world and sadly, miss the invitation.

While I was in Singapore, I visited a Catholic spirituality center cum book and gift shop. I had been there before a year ago. The ladies there - all volunteers recognized me, as I did them. Somehow, my heart stirred within me as I was welcomed and greeted with genuine warmth. On reflection, I was moved because I was given a glimpse of 'home', a glimpse of what God's welcome would be like, only his would be one of infinite measure.

Sometimes God grants experiences of his presence, through others, that indeed make our hearts leap with joy. Such moments are pure grace; the 'consolations' that draw us in love towards God, and encourage us in the faith. But in order to prepare ourselves, with openness, I guess requires a "quiet heart". I notice that when I am task and goal oriented (and even Christmas shopping can be a goal oriented experience for me!), I am unable to bear Christ to others. And in the same way, I would be unable to receive Christ when he 'comes' in others. We need to see and receive those who come our way as possible bearers of God's presence. I also noted my reaction to a group of foreigners while in Singapore. They were just people milling around a mall on a weekend, probably on their day off. I was fearful, exerting not only prudent caution but going beyond that to prejudice. I would certainly not be able to welcome them as fellow human beings let alone bearers of God's message to me. Such reactions occur almost instantaneously. It is good that in my prayer time, the Lord brought to mind my over-reaction. This season of Advent is a time when God invites a new openness in our lives. He invites us to ask for the grace to see things and people with a different set of lenses. It is easy to just see things one dimensionally and wonder why our Christian lives seem so dull. Instead, every encounter can take on significant meaning when the Spirit is at work.