Christmas is much more than a festive celebration. For Christians, it represents a profound call to live by the values of peace and brotherhood embodied in the birth of Jesus Christ. This event, which marks God's entry into human history, invites us to re-examine our relationships with others and to build a world of greater justice and solidarity. Through the teachings of the Christian faith, Christmas offers us an opportunity to renew our commitment to love of neighbour, reconciliation and unity.
The spiritual meaning of Christmas
The Incarnation, sign of divine love:
Christmas commemorates the Incarnation: God becoming man in the person of Jesus Christ. This divine act of unprecedented humility bears witness to God's infinite love for humanity. By coming to a world marked by conflict and division, Jesus brings a message of peace and hope. Jesus' birth in a stable, surrounded by shepherds and animals, illustrates a profound lesson in simplicity and universality.
This modest setting reminds us that peace and brotherhood do not depend on wealth or power, but on a heart open to love and service to others.
Peace announced by the angels:
In Luke's Gospel account, the angels announce the birth of Jesus with these words:
"Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to the people he loves." (Luke 2:14)
This message places peace at the centre of Jesus' mission. By becoming man, he comes to reconcile humanity with God and with each other. Christmas thus becomes an invitation to seek this peace in our personal lives, our communities and the whole world.
Peace and brotherhood in the teachings of Jesus
Love your neighbour as yourself:
One of the fundamental teachings of Jesus is the commandment of love:
"You shall love your neighbour as yourself." (Matthew 22:39) This call to unconditional love is at the heart of the Christian faith and finds particular expression at Christmas.
Fraternity involves not only loving those who are close to us, but also extending that love to those who are different or marginalised.
Reconciliation as a path to peace:
Jesus also teaches the importance of reconciliation in bringing about peace. In the Sermon on the Mount, he declares:
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9)
At Christmas, this call to become peacemakers takes on a special resonance. It invites every believer to overcome conflict, to forgive and to work for unity.
Christmas, a festival of solidarity and sharing
Solidarity towards the most vulnerable:
The Nativity story highlights God's special care for the humble and the excluded. The first to receive the news of Jesus' birth are shepherds, marginal figures in the society of the time. This aspect of Christmas reminds us of the importance of reaching out to the most vulnerable.
Many Christian traditions, such as sharing a meal with the destitute or collecting donations, embody this spirit of solidarity.
Sharing, an expression of brotherhood: The gesture of the Magi, who offer gifts to the Infant Jesus, is a powerful image of sharing. Christmas invites us to follow this example, by giving of our time, resources or love to those in need.
Christmas and the challenges of today's world
A world in search of peace: In a world marked by wars, social injustice and divisions, the Christmas message remains strikingly relevant. It reminds us that true peace begins in our hearts and homes, before spreading throughout the world.
A universal brotherhood: Christmas transcends cultural and religious boundaries, offering a message of unity and brotherhood to all peoples. It invites everyone, believer or not, to reflect on their contribution to a world of greater solidarity.
What does the Christian faith teach us about living Christmas today?
Welcoming the light of Jesus:
The Christian faith teaches that to live Christmas to the full, we must welcome the light of Jesus into our lives. This means allowing that light to transform our thoughts, actions and relationships with others.
Becoming peacemakers:
Every believer is called to become a peacemaker, cultivating relationships based on respect, justice and kindness. The peace of Christmas is not limited to an inner feeling: it manifests itself in our daily choices.
Witnessing to brotherhood:
To live Christmas according to the Christian faith is to witness to brotherhood through concrete gestures: visiting an isolated person, reconciling members of a divided family, or supporting a charitable cause.
Christmas, beyond the celebrations and traditions, is a profound call to live by the values of peace and fraternity taught by Jesus Christ. In a world searching for meaning and unity, this event reminds us that everyone has a role to play in building a better future.
May this Christmas light illuminate our hearts, inspire our actions, and guide us towards a renewed commitment to peace and fraternity, in our daily lives and beyond.
