The First Noel

It was the bleakly cold December end. Light all around; it looked as if a river of light had flooded the universe. The shepherds trembled with fear. Never in their lives had these men of the dark corners of the city seen such light. Even in the bitter cold they felt a strange warmth. So great was their astonishment that it impaired their five senses.
A voice resonated through the fields; as thunderous as the blowing of a billion shofars. The ground seemed to shake a little. Outwitted they heard the announcement, “Do not be afraid! The Messiah is born in your city, go kneel in reverence.”
And then poof! It was the same cold night. The light had disappeared completely. They looked up. A star shone brilliantly. In awe they stood silently with watery eyes. Promises were kept.
We all know the story. We don’t know exactly if it’s true or not. For who believe, it’s true indeed and for those who don’t, it’s a metaphor. Yet two thousand years later, in the present day we are ignorant of the most important part. The poorest of poor, those considered the lowly by the ‘society’ are the people who are aware of the divine. The revelation of the divine isn’t for the rich and powerful, drunk with corruption and pride. Instead, it’s for the oppressed, the so called ‘lowly’ who didn’t let go of the warmth of their heart no matter how hard it had been. Those outcasts, the divine chose, who held on to humanity, kindness and compassion in the face of all misfortunes. The Messiah chose His birthplace to be a manger laid with hay inside cattle shed and not a lavish palace. He chose poor yet hardworking and kind people to be His own. The shepherds adored Him, and sang songs in His praise.
This part of the account of Nativity of Christ among countless other divine accounts around the world from each religion proves humility brings liberation and divine grace. Perhaps this story gives a ray of hope in these dark times. Those purified by bathing in the fire of misfortunes and hardships, those who have their faith in humanity intact, rise in light, time and again. Those oppressed today shall rise tomorrow and then peace shall prevail, humanity shall triumph and subdue all sin. It’s the Lord’s promise unto mankind.

Faith delivers from the gravest of dangers and love brings you home.