Born to Die

by Ptr. Miziel Rivera-Zonio

Reading for the day: Luke 2:6-20

“Andito na siya! (He’s here!)” my dad said, as he held that tiny human in his arms

It’s a difficult thing to describe with words. But to those who know, my earliest memories of him was the sweet and pleasant smell. It was that distinct fragrance that only emanates from newborn babies.

My parents had just gotten back from the hospital after my mom’s delivery. And with them, they brought someone else.

Filled with excitement, I carefully investigated what was inside the swaddling clothes. He had chubby arms and legs; tiny, pink feet. His toothless pink gums were quite amusing to look at. On his head was a paper-thin layer of hair.

“He’s so cute”, I exclaimed, expressing my joy. I finally have a baby brother!

Soon after, as if following a script, our neighbours rushed to see the new addition to our family.

“Oi ang cute! Ang taba!” (So cute! So chubby!)

At an early point of my life, I quickly understood this truth:

A baby brings so much joy to a family. 

And this reminds me of the joy of the first Christmas. We may not have been there, but can you imagine the joy of Mary and Joseph, and everyone else who saw the newborn baby? 

The narrative about Jesus’ birth, the emotions, and the events that surrounded it were perfectly captured by Luke (ch. 1-2) . The joy and the excitement of everyone who saw the baby in a manger were written with vivid details. It definitely was, a “good news of great joy!” 

But what is the purpose of his birth? And why is there a great joy in the birth of Jesus? 

The real joy of Christmas lies not so much in the fact that Jesus was born, but why He was born. 

Jesus was born to die. 

The first Christmas had to happen, so that through His humanity, He could die in our place to bear the punishment which was due to us (1 Peter 2:24) 

He was deprived of the comforts of men so we could live in abundance. He was tortured and afflicted so we can experience the ultimate relief and joy in heaven. 

Sacrifice is intricately woven into the fabric of the Christmas story. 

Those tiny hands that were delicately formed in the womb of Mary by the Holy Spirit were destined to one day bear the weight of the cross. Those same gentle hands were cruelly pierced by Roman soldiers on that fateful day. The fragile body, swaddled in cloth and laid in a humble manger, would eventually endure brutal beatings and lashings time and time again. The tender feet that once could not walk, bravely but faintly treaded the Via Dolorosa.

I do not intend to be a Debbie Downer during this Christmas time. I have no desire to kill your Christmas spirit– quite the contrary. But let us not forget that the story of Christmas is not just one of joy and celebration, but also one of sacrifice and suffering. It is a reminder of the immense price that was paid for the salvation of mankind. 

It is impossible to truly celebrate the birth of Jesus without understanding His sacrifice. What gave meaning to Christ’s humble birth was the triumph of His sacrificial death. 

This Christmas, remember that what will truly make us merry is not something that can be wrapped up in a box— no ribbons, no tags. But it is our willingness to sacrifice for the Lord. 

A Christian’s joy can never be complete without sacrifice. As we are in this season of joyful service— your feet may be hurting in walking more than 10,000 steps in last night’s caroling, you may be bearing the cold of winter, or enduring the pouring rain for your caroling mission, and amidst all these things, hearing the words, “No, thank you.” may bring a profound sting, but as you lie in bed, you could sleep peacefully knowing that your sacrifice is what will truly make you merry! 

Reflection:  What is the greatest sacrifice you have done for the Lord? What is your next greatest sacrifice?