As is typical of the Philippines, where Catholics make up 80% of the population, the front pages of the Manila Times and the Sun-Star this morning featured prominently the Pope's Christmas Mass sermon.
The Pope, quoting the Gospel according to Luke, called on them to remember what it meant that the newborn infant Jesus was laid in a manger, he said.
The Gospel of Luke states.
The Kingdom of Judea, where Jesus was born, was a protectorate of the Roman Empire. The Roman Empire at the time was the first Emperor Augustus. He conducted a census including the provinces. Mary and Joseph came from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the city of David, where Joseph's lineage came from.
Many people had gathered in Bethlehem to register as residents, and all the inns were full, so Mary had to give birth to Jesus in a barn. So the newborn Jesus was wrapped in cloths and laid in a manger.
While the shepherds were watching over their flocks all night, an angel descended and said, "Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. You will find the baby sleeping in a manger.
The shepherds believed him and went to Bethlehem to find Jesus in the manger.
The Pope goes on to describe the significance of Jesus being laid in an uncomfortable manger rather than in a bed in a warm inn.
God was born in a manger, in the very place you thought was rock bottom, to make you rise again."
There was nothing around where the manger was placed but Mary, Joseph, and the poor shepherd. But it was full of love and wonder. There was a warm bond and an abundance of life.
Jesus was born, lived, and died in poverty. He taught us that true wealth is not found in things, but in people, especially the poor.
And the Pope concluded his address with this call to action.
Do not let this Christmas end without doing something good. Since the Nativity is the celebration of Jesus, his birthday, let us give him gifts that will please him. In the name of God, may we give those who have lost hope a little of it back."…
