The Integrated Personality of the Lord Jesus Christ
First: The Essence of the Feast Is the Person of Christ
The most important aspect of the Feast of the Nativity is the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, because He presents to us the complete personality and practical holiness. He is not merely a teacher of one virtue, but a model in whom all virtues are united in balance and harmony.
Second: The Danger of Focusing on One Virtue
A person may focus on one virtue and forget the rest, and thus his spiritual balance becomes disturbed. He may cling to meekness and forget courage, or cling to kindness and lose firmness. But the Lord Jesus was very meek, and yet He was firm when He cleansed the temple as mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew. Meekness does not cancel strength, but is integrated with it.
Third: Compassion Toward the Repentant and Severity Toward the Hypocrites
His heart was compassionate toward repentant sinners such as Zacchaeus the tax collector, and He accepted his repentance and entered his house. He also dealt gently with the woman caught in sin, calling her to a new life. In contrast, He was severe toward the scribes and Pharisees who clung to formalities and hypocrisy, rebuking them strongly because they shut the kingdom of heaven before people.
Fourth: Balance Between Crowds and Solitude
The Lord Jesus served the crowds, taught them, and healed them, yet He loved solitude. He often went to the Mount of Olives or to the Garden of Gethsemane to spend time in prayer and meditation. The integrated personality can serve people while at the same time living a deep inner life.
Fifth: Greatness with Humility
Christ showed great authority in raising the dead and performing miracles, yet at the same time He washed His disciples’ feet in humility. He combined glory with humility, power with service, giving a practical example that true greatness is joined with humility.
Sixth: The Integration of Virtues with Wisdom and Humility
One virtue alone is not enough unless it is linked with wisdom and humility. Obedience, for example, must first be to God, and every other obedience must be within the obedience to God. Every virtue without wisdom may turn into error, and without humility may lead to pride and vainglory.
Seventh: Holiness Without Sin and Universal Love
Christ lived holy without sin, and He was able to say, “Which of you convicts Me of sin?” Yet with this complete holiness He was compassionate toward sinners, combining absolute purity with wide mercy.
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