"But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons."

The Christmas celebrations spread joy everywhere, be it by the spirit-filling ceremonies in the churches, or by the different expressive acts and gifts in houses, especially for the children.

God wants to be so close to us that He became a child.

When we're standing in front of the manger watching baby Jesus, this small and powerless baby, who holds "the King of peace" and "the Savior of the world" as titles, we remember Jesus' question to his disciples: "Who do people say the Son of Man is? They replied, 'Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.' 'But what about you?' he asked. 'Who do you say I am?'" (Matthew 16, 13- 15).
It seems what is most important for Jesus is not what people think, but what his disciples think of him. This question of Jesus is addresses to us today. Our answer to it will open the door to the following "What place does Christ have in my life today?". On my honest answer will depend the meaning of Christmas to me as well as my Christian engagement as a student of Christ and as a disciple in my society.

Some call themselves believers. Those believe in the supreme being, in the creator and in the afterlife. This type of faith is not a Christian faith but a "god"-believing faith that the non-Christians accept as well.

By flipping through the pages of the New Testament, we realize that some have stayed away from the real meaning of faith. For St. Paul, faith is what justifies the sinner and offers the Holy Spirit, in other words, it is that that saves, because it is based on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
For St. John, "the faith that overcomes the world" has to be established on Jesus Christ. He writes: "Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." (1 John 5, 5). In front of this truth, our first job is going to be doing a non-reserved action of faith.

Jesus said to us: "Take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16, 33). Jesus not only overcame the world of his time but the world of all times. Therefore fear and coexistence have no place in the heart of the believer, who has put his hope in the following promise of Jesus: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." (Matthew 24, 35). Everything is going to come to an end, except Jesus' words. There lies the power and safety of our faith and engagement.
Consequently, we cannot stay silent; we do not have the right to stay immobile. It is up to us to work in order to respond to the daily rising defiances against the Christian faith, as St. Peter indicates: "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3, 15).

Faith takes birth in the heart of the person when he/she hears the preaching about Christ, and not by studying or reading books, because faith is a divine virtue. As such witnesses St. Paul as well when he says: "How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ." (Romans 10, 14- 17).

Is the evengelism left to priests alone and do civilians have to hold a passive position? No; every person, with the quality of his sacraments of baptism and confirmation has to testify his/her faith, with words and actions, especially that clergymen are not found everywhere. In the modern catholic movements, fortunately, we find prepared civilians who heroically give testimonies with their lives and in their work.

With the beginning of every prayer we say: "our Lord Jesus Christ Amen". This is not a simple formula. If someone confesses in front of the manger or in front of the Holy Communion that Jesus is his/her Lord, that is equal to saying Jesus Christ has authority on me, I have handed him the driving wheel of my life. I do not want to live for myself anymore but for Him alone, who incarnated, died and resurrected for me; as St. Paul reminds the Christians of Corinth: "And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again." (2 Corinthians 5, 15). Living for Jesus is not for clergymen and religious women alone, but for every Christian, for every single one of you.

"Jesus is my Lord" means inserting the words of the Holy Bible in every single thing I do in my life. The well-remember John Paul II used to say: "open widely for Christ the doors of your lives and do not be afraid". When I visit families, they always lead me to the room that is mostly in order. The opposite has to be done with Jesus. Open to Him the messy corners of your lives, so that He puts them in order, and especially your mind that is filled with intentions. Ask yourselves who do you work for and for what purpose do you do this or that work? For Christ or for yourselves; for the glory of Christ or for your own personal glory? These reflections are the best way to well-prepare your hearts in order to accept Jesus in the spirit-filling season of Christmas.

Dear brothers and sisters, open your hearts widely to Jesus so that He fills them completely and you become happy.

Christ is born and revealed, blessed be thine birth.

Nerses Bedros XIX
Catholicos Patriarch of Cilicia of the Armenian Catholics