The Great Encounter of Christmas

Once upon a time, there was a small village in the middle of nowhere. The villagers were poor but honest, and they celebrated Christmas with great joy every year. One Christmas Eve, a stranger arrived in the village. He was tired and cold, and he asked the villagers for food and shelter. At first, some of the villagers were hesitant, but one brave woman offered him her home and her heart. She cooked him a warm meal and gave him a place to sleep.

The stranger turned out to be a wise man, and he taught the woman and her village the true meaning of Christmas. He told them about the encounter between God and mankind, and how Christmas was a celebration of that great encounter. The woman and the villagers were amazed, and they felt blessed to have met such a wise man.

The Author – Pope Paul VI

Pope Paul VI was a wise man too. He once said, “We consider Christmas as the encounter, the great encounter, the historical encounter, the decisive encounter, between God and mankind. He who has faith knows this truly, let him rejoice.”

These words remind us that Christmas is not just about presents and parties, but about the encounter between God and mankind. It is a time to reflect on our faith and to rejoice in the presence of God in our lives.

In my own life, I have experienced the great encounter of Christmas in many ways. One year, I was feeling lost and alone, but a friend invited me to join her family for their Christmas celebration. It was a small but joyful gathering, and I felt welcomed and loved. That encounter with my friend’s family helped me to see the goodness in the world and to renew my faith in God.

I have also witnessed the great encounter of Christmas in others. One of my coworkers, who is not a Christian, always takes off work for Christmas. When I asked her why, she said that she believes in the power of love and that Christmas is a time to celebrate that love with others. Her words reminded me that the encounter between God and mankind is not limited to those who share our faith, but extends to all who recognize the goodness in the world.

Examples

• A family who gives up their Christmas gifts to donate food and toys to the less fortunate
• A church that opens its doors to the homeless on Christmas Day
• A community that comes together to sing carols and share joy with one another

“We consider Christmas as the encounter, the great encounter, the historical encounter, the decisive encounter, between God and mankind. He who has faith knows this truly, let him rejoice.” – Pope Paul VI

Conclusion

To sum up, Christmas is the great encounter between God and mankind. It is a time to reflect on our faith, to rejoice in the presence of God in our lives, and to share that joy with others. Here are three practical tips to help you experience the great encounter of Christmas:

1. Take time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas
2. Find ways to share your joy with others
3. Remember that the encounter between God and mankind extends beyond those who share your faith

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