On Life 202 – ….Goodwill toward men – January 5, 2018

   Eastern Christians are to celebrate Nativity tomorrow. Jesus Christ was born in one of Judea’s villages, “Bethlehem”. It came t pass that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, the Roman emperor at that time, that all the world should be registered for a census for the propel under his governing empire. This was the first census so each person went to the town he belonged to.

   St. Joseph the Carpenter went with St. Mary to be registered there as he belonged to the house of David. While they were there, the time has come for St. Mary to conceive her Child. But she could not find a place to give birth at, but an animals’ barn.

   The city was crowded with returnees to finish their registration. Thus, Virgin Mary has put her Child in the manger. Here the question is, was not there a better place?. These events occurred according to our Almighty God so that the mission of Nativity reaches the whole world. This message declares that Jesus Christ came for every man especially the rejected, abandoned and those who have no one to remember them or nowhere to lay their heads. Jesus Christ has offered the reason of His advent to the world in a clear message he declared at His teachings:” I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” If heavens sang that people should rejoice then it means that that means all people should, not just a special group as they declare joy to the world.

   Nativity was to take away sorrow and pain of all people with no regard to their social, financial or academic status. Nativity was for the simple people who have good and innocent heart like the righteous St. Joseph the carpenter. Nativity was for the deep philosophical minds; those who live to learn and search for the secret of happiness in life. Nativity brought a message to the shepherds and to kings as well like Herod and also to the leaders like the archpriests and scribes. The message of Nativity was to bring joy to all, but who truly enjoyed the blessings of and joys of Nativity.

   Today, Nativity celebration brings the same message, that is, “….goodwill toward men” to all the weary, weak, sorrowful, rejected people to help them look toward heaven and realize God’s love that declares his care for all people and support for all who depend on Him. He is the true joy giver for all the weary souls and for all the pure-hearted persons who trust in His wisdom and providence. This message is for all people who think they can live distantly from God or they think they need nothing but their power and capabilities. It is a message that says to all people: true happiness is in God.

   We can do nothing to celebrate your Nativity except offering a message of love, goodwill and peace to the joy of each person we meet. It is Your message to them, “…goodwill toward men”

General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center