The Nativity of our Lord, God, and Saviour Jesus Christ – SERMONS OF FATHER GORAZD

If Jesus truly is whom he claims to be, the eternal Son of God and Saviour of the world, then why is he not recognized by everyone who hears his word and sees his works? John the Evangelist states that when Jesus came into the world, the world knew him not, and his own people received him not (John 1:10-11). Jesus was born in obscurity. Only the lowly shepherds recognized him at his birth. Some wise men also found their way to Bethlehem to pay homage to the new-born King of Israel. These men were not Israelites but foreigners. They likely had read and discussed the Messianic prophecies and were anxious to see when this Messianic King would appear. God led them using an extraordinary star across the desert to the little town where Jesus was born. In their thirst for the knowledge of God, they willingly left everything, their home, and country, in pursuit of that quest. In their diligent search, they were led to the source of actual knowledge — Jesus Christ, the Light, and Wisdom of God. When they found the newborn King, they humbly worshiped him and gave him gifts fitting for a king.
What fuelled their search for the Messianic King? Faith in the promise of God to send a Redeemer, a King who would establish God’s reign of peace and righteousness. Faith is an entirely gift that God makes to us. It is through the help of the Holy Spirit, who moves the heart and opens the eyes of the mind that we can understand, accept, and believe the truth which God reveals to us. In faith, the human will, and intellect cooperate with grace.
To know and to encounter Jesus Christ is to know God personally. In the encounter of the wise men with Jesus, we see the plan of God to give his only Son as King and Saviour, not just for the Jewish people but for all the nations as well. The Lord Jesus came so that both Jew and Gentile might find true and lasting peace with God. Let us pray today that Jews and Gentiles alike will find the Lord and Saviour on their life journey. Do you bring the light of Jesus Christ to those you meet through the witness of your life and testimony?