The Lord is in the Incarnation

Christmas is many people’s favorite time of the year. It is a time of giving and receiving, gathering with family and friends, and general good feelings.   

We know that all of this has its roots in the Incarnation — the birth of God’s Son in the flesh. In a way we could not predict, the second person of the Trinity became man. Oh, the prophets had foretold his coming, but no one imagined that God would become man. The mystery of the Incarnation is God’s great gift to us!  He sent his Son as Savior of the world! Because of this event, our redemption became possible, and not only our redemption but our participation in divine life opened up for us.   

The Lord Jesus became man so that we might become sharers in God’s divine life!  Amazing! 

As I write this column and reflect on the deep mystery of this season, I do so this year in the midst of my fight with cancer. My illness has given me a new perspective on our human frailty and God’s closeness to us in Jesus Christ. 

The Lord took on human nature in all things but sin so that he could share our struggles with us. As I go through the treatments I am receiving to eliminate the tumor from my esophagus and deal with their side effects, I realize that I am sharing in the suffering of so many of you who have been through this. As your bishop, I am grateful for the grace to share with my flock some of their struggles. It has given me a new appreciation of the sick members of our diocese and those who care for them.   

This is all a grace for me that is teaching me that I have taken so much for granted and that I can see with new eyes the struggles of my people. 

Thank you for all your prayers. They have lifted me up and are helping to bring me healing. Please know that I pray for all of you daily. My Christmas cards will be less personalized this year because I just don’t have the time and energy to write them in my own hand. But my prayers are with you in a new way this year as I realize how close the Lord is to us in the Incarnation.   

Jesus Christ has taken on human flesh to share our weaknesses and struggles. He is so close to us and is ready to help carry our burdens and share in our sufferings.   

As we celebrate his birth, I send you my heartfelt greetings and prayers. May this Christmas bring us many graces and blessings.   

With gratitude and love,
+Bishop Peter Muhich