Mercy Christmas

Christmas is the joyous season. Whenever Christmas comes we acclaim Glory to God in the highest and peace to his people on earth. The first part is done, Glorifying. What about the second part, peace to his people on earth. Does the birth of Jesus really bring peace to this earth? If it is so, why even after 2000 years there is so much violence and destruction on this earth. Recently there were attack in Paris, Mali, Washington and inner war in other Eastern and African countries. Apart from these attacks and wars there are also catastrophes that puts the people in mess especially flood in Chennai and Britain. One side human beings is destroying fellow human beings and another side nature also destroys human beings. In this situation where s/he can go?

After witnessing all these facts many would say that today there is no peace in the world rather the world is in pieces. The world is considered to be in pieces. There exists greed, selfishness and poverty. Amidst all these things is it possible to say that the birth of Jesus brings peace to this earth? Before I answer this I would like to share with an incident from the First World War.

British and German troops were on war against each other in no man’s land in December 1914. Perhaps you would have heard this event. The British and Germans dug the trenches and hid themselves inside to attack each other. Each troop was waiting for the other to begin the fire. Every day someone would begin and the other would fire back. Many were shot to death in that war. It so happened on 24 December 1914 the Germans decorated their trenches with flowers and placed the Christmas tree in the battle field and started to sing the Stille Nacht in German. Though the British could not understand what they were singing but by hearing the tune they understood the song and responded to them by singing the same carol Silent night in English. Then one man came out of the British trench and the Germans saw that and got ready to fire. After few seconds another British soldier also came out of the trench followed by other soldiers. So, by seeing this Germans also came out of their trenches leaving their weapons back. The soldiers of both the countries approached each other and stood there. The enemies were facing each other in silence. Then a British soldier shook the hand a German soldier and wished MERRY CHRISTMAS and other soldiers followed it. They were opponents and enemies but still they shook the hands and hugged each other and wished happy Christmas. They not only wished but shared their beers, alcohol, chocolates and other stuff. They even played football and the score was 3-2 3 in favour of German and 2 in favour of British. How beautiful is it? Last year we celebrated the centenary of this event.

After listening to this event I want you to reflect on what made them to come together. It is the song that made them to unite. When Germans sang the carol Silent night both the British and the German troops remembered what had happened on first Christmas night. God wanted peace. In order to make peace God humbled himself and lowered himself to become human on this earth. He came down to lift us up and establish peace. On the night of 24 December 1914 the soldiers of both the nations gave up their pride for the sake of peace. They were merciful to each other. They respected the value of life. A night that was supposed to be violent turned to be silent.

Now the question, Is it possible to say that the birth of Jesus brings peace to this earth? I would say no. The birth of Jesus does not bring peace. Because if it brings peace then there shouldn’t be any chaos and problems right now but we know that there are so much problem in the world today. Then what does the birth of Jesus bring? It brings mercy and forgiveness. The incarnation of the Lord is the incarnation of mercy. God did not send his son to judge or convict the people but he sent him to forgive and save his people from the bondage of sin. Mercy initiates the process of peace. Peace involves two persons the giver and the receiver. But mercy involves the single person, the giver. Peace sprouts when the receiver acknowledges the mercy of the giver. Mercy harms no one. Forgiveness heals the wounds of the heart and mind. Mercy makes the person lovable. Forgiveness puts an end to violence. Where there is mercy and forgiveness there is peace. Today, if the world in pieces means it is because there is lack of mercy and forgiveness.   

As we wait for the Lord’s second coming let us remember that we are not waiting for his judgment rather we are waiting for his grace. In order to acquire eternal life we have to pass through not the door of judgment but the door of mercy.

On 25 December let us not just celebrate a merry Christmas but a mercy Christmas. The mercy incarnated. Whoever accepts this mercy receives peace. Whoever receives this peace shows mercy to others. The birth of mercy makes us to merry. Let us pray that may this holy year of Mercy make us merciful like the Father who sent his son to reconcile the world to establish peace.

Therefore, I wish you a Mercy Christmas!