All these festive and external aspects and characteristics are centered on a theological, and spiritual mystery of God revealed through the historical event of Incarnation, that is, God the Divine coming to the world being born as a man. The Bible says: The word became flesh and dwelt among us (Gospel of St. John 1:14). The Christian Faith articulates that Jesus was born of the immaculate Virgin Mary who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is therefore a divine mystery guided and revealed by God alone. Christmas is celebrated centering on this very divine and God-controlled mystery of Incarnation, the birth of Jesus Christ. Comprehension of and reflection on this mystery of nativity will enlighten a person on the real significance of Christmas festival.

The mystery of Christ's birth from the Biblical point of view: All major religions of the world are founded on the creed of a monotheistic belief -- one God who is Almighty and Creator of the whole universe where man is best of all creation. The faith also declares that man out of his own and because of his pride to be at the level of God brings sin in his life, thus estranging himself from God. But God who is always merciful to his own created mankind brings a message of hope of salvation in the form of a promise that contains curse to the devil (serpent) and blessing to mankind through a Savior who will come from a woman (cfr. Old Testament: Genesis 3:15). The one who will come will be the new Messiah, meaning savior/deliverer. He will establish a new messianic Kingdom.

Messianic promises in the Bible: Characteristics of the promised Messiah and messianic kingdom are proclaimed through the prophets whose divinely inspired writings we find in the Bible. These messianic promises were very significant at the time of the prophetic period of the salvation history (500-300 BC) as well as for the people of the present world and society. The oracle says that this messiah will come from a virgin: "The Lord himself will give you a sign. It is this: the maiden is with child and will soon give birth to a son whom she will call Emmanuel, a name which means 'God-is-with-us" (Prophet Isaiah 7:14). The Messiah will be a "Suffering Servant" will embrace unimaginable suffering but will finally be victorious.

Birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ: When the time was fulfilled, God sent his own Son to this world; he is born of a virgin. In former times God spoke in fragmentary and varied fashion through the prophets. But in this final age He has spoken to us "in the Son whom He has made heir to the whole universe, and through whom He created all orders of existence" (Letter to the Hebrews 1:1-3). The prophets speak of the birth of this child: "To us a child is born, to us a sun is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called 'Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). Yes Jesus the Messiah was born 2003 years ago in a small cave, in a manger in Bethlehem.

God the Most High came down to the world becoming man only to dwell with man in order to elevate the sinful human nature. This incarnated Jesus, the incarnated World of God came embracing the fragile human nature and extreme poverty and insecurity as a sign of love for mankind. Thus in profound humility Jesus becomes "one of them" among men. Thus comes the good news from the mouth of an angel to the simple humble shepherd: "Be not afraid! I bring good news for you, which will bring great joy to all people. This very day in David's town your Savior is born -- he is Christ the Lord. You will know him with this sign; you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger" (Gospel of St. Luke 2:12). The band of angels sang with loud voice: "Glory to God in the highest! And peace on earth to those with whom he is pleased!" (2:14).

Christ's birth celebrated: Christmas celebration begins with four week preparation prior to 25th December. Liturgically this four-week time is called the Advent season when special Bible readings are taken during the community prayer service, the Holy Mass. Advent wreathe is made with green leaves (symbol of hope and expectation) and four candles are lighted one by one subsequently during these four weeks. The Christian community are spiritually cleansed receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation (also called Confession). The last nine days of the advent season are climatic that lead the community to enter into the celebration of Christmas.

From celebration to life:

God who became man deifies us: God assumed a body from a virgin and, through a new creation, put on our own nature. We know he was a man, formed from the same substance as we are. Right from his birth he undertook hard work, he went hungry and thirsty, he took rest and sleep, he did not shirk suffering, he revealed the resurrection. In all these he offered his own self, so that when we suffer we would not lose heart, but rather would recognise that we are men, and would ourselves expect to receive what is received from God. Thus the birth of Jesus is a hope, strength, happiness and joy for men in the midst of many sufferings in this temporal world.

Peace on earth: His birth brings peace to this world. Peace is the serene state of mind; peace is the nurse of love, the mother of unity. The real work and special blessing of peace is to join to God those whom He sets apart from the world. The birth of the Prince of peace, Christ calls us to offer to God the Father the oneness of heart of peace-loving sons. The grace of the new born Jesus falls on them who are one in mind and heart.

He comes as a light: The nation that walked in darkness has seen a great light! The birth of Jesus takes away the darkness from this world. Call to the light is voiced strongly to this world. Darkness prevails when there are sins like social injustice, immoral life, stealing and bribery, unhealthy politics and diplomacy. How long shall we remain in darkness? Let us all be enlightened in heart and soul putting off from our nature all elements of darkness. Let our heart be lighted, let our family and society be lighted with good deeds, good words. Yes Christ who is born is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, then we share together a common life, and we are being cleansed from every sin by the blood of Jesus the light.

New life in newborn Jesus: Jesus is born to transform the sinful state of men. Therefore his birth invites us to put on a "new self"; to get rid of anger, passion, and hateful feelings. No insults or obscene talk must ever come from our lips. Christ's birth demands us not to lie to one another as we put on the new self.

Culture of communion: The Most High, God comes down to the earth only to be one with man. This brings a new relation between God and men. Here we find the extra-ordinary humility of God in order to bring man in communion with him which only pride can destroy. The new born Jesus at Christmas calls men to get rid of any sort of pride, egoism, hedonism and embrace all in love and service, specially the poorest of the poor. Let all divisions, jealousy, selfishness be overcome by the power of the spirituality of this newborn Christ. Let everyone be sure that the Christ says only one thing to mankind: your sins are forgiven; you are made new where exists love, peace and communion.

Conclusion: Christmas is a festival for all! Any major religious festival of any religion is felt and sensed by all. Today when Christians celebrate Christmas with much joy and happiness, friends of other religious faiths too join them in spirit and in brotherly communion. Yes, Christmas is a feast of joy in communion. May this feast nourish all. May the blessings of Christmas reach everyone.