I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For to us is born, this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11)
This good news of great joy for all people is what we believe and proclaim at Christmas! Yet for many of those who are not Christians, it is hard to understand why God would choose first to come among us as a baby to save us from sin and death.
I remember having lunch with a Jewish friend of mine, and sharing my faith in Jesus with him. After I had finished, he asked me a very sincere question, “Why did God choose to come as a little baby and then die on a cross to save the human race? Couldn’t he have saved the human race in a different way?”
I believe these are good questions for all Christians to reflect on as well. How would you have answered this question?
Below is one of my favorite Christmas stories. Of unknown origin, it has circled back to me several times via email over the years. It gives an interesting answer to the question my Jewish friend posed, “Why Did Jesus Come as One of Us?” If you have young children or grandchildren, this would be a nice story to read to them. After reading the story, spend some time with them discussing the Christian truths it represents.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
Maurice Blumberg
Executive Director
National Fellowship of Catholic Men
A Christmas Story
Flurries of snow swirled on a chilly Christmas Eve. A man waved through the plate glass front window as his wife and children drove away to attend the annual Christmas service. He couldn't understand all the fuss about Jesus.
Alone, he went about decorating the family tree. Suddenly, he heard a “thump” against the window, and then another, and another, “thump… thump.” He looked out to investigate and there, shivering on the ground outside the window, lay several tiny sparrows attracted by the light.
Touched, he went to the garage, turned on the light, and opened the door. They didn't move. He got behind them and tried to shoo them in. They scattered. He made a trail into the garage by crumbling some crackers. They wouldn't budge.
He was frustrated as it sunk in that he was a giant, alien creature who terrified the tiny birds. Why couldn't he make them understand that what he wanted more than anything was to help them?
Disheartened, he went back inside and stared out the window at the little, frightened birds. Then, like a bolt of lightning a thought struck him. If only I could become a little bird myself… for just a moment, then they wouldn't be afraid and I could show them how to find warmth and safety.
Just then it dawned on him. Now I understand. That's why Jesus came as one of us. To lead us to the warmth and safety of our Heavenly Father’s love.
(This article is part of NFCM's sponsorship of the Catholic Man channel. The source of “A Christmas Story” is unknown. Contact NFCM at P.O. Box 86381, Gaithersburg, MD 20886 or e-mail them at info@nfcmusa.org.)
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