"Though he was in the form of God, he did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in our human likeness …” Phil. 2:6
A child lying among stalks of straw in an ox’s manger reminds us today how God is both fullness and emptiness.
Merry Christmas friends! Why would our God do such a thing? Empty God’s self to be one with us?! To walk around here on earth for 30+ years, healing, dying, and rising, ascending into heaven? Then, the waiting begins. 2000+ years later, do we still wait for him to come back? A light that no darkness extinguishes?
What if this Christmas light—each year—sparks a re-birth in our minds, hearts, and souls? A re-birth of our own, “Yes, be it done unto me!” And with that, our eyes open, we see this poor babe as food for all. Emptying himself–for the life of the world.
Caught by the humble truth of how God will do ANYTHING to be with us, we burst into the full throttle of a Handel Halleluiah chorus! “The kingdom of this world, is become the kingdom of the Lord!”
Now, we the light bearers, roll up our sleeves—recommitting to doing everything and anything we can to reveal God’s reign here and now. Refusing to wait for anyone’s return. We seize our walking sticks empowered by the squirming of a babe in a manger bed. Trusting that the mountains of injustice are being made low, and all tyrannical sentiments are being tossed from their thrones, we shepherds everywhere, proclaim the good news of God among us–Emmanuel!!
Sr. Elyse Marie Ramirez, OP
Dominican Sisters Leadership Team
