The Nativity Is Joy for Some and Fear for Others
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III discusses how the Nativity of the Lord Jesus Christ, as well as God’s presence and work in human life, becomes a cause of great joy for some people, while it becomes a cause of fear and disturbance for others. The reason is not God Himself, but the inner condition of the heart and the person’s readiness to meet God.
Spiritual and Educational Dimension
- The shepherds rejoiced at the birth of Christ because He came as a Savior for them and for all the people, while Herod and Jerusalem were troubled because their hearts were not prepared to receive the Lord.
- His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the person who loves God and walks in His commandments rejoices in His presence, while the person attached to sin feels fear and distress before God.
- He presents many examples from the Holy Bible, such as Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, the story of Adam after the fall, and the Prophet Elijah, to confirm that a person’s response to God depends on the purity of the heart.
- He points out that death itself may be a source of joy for the saints who await meeting Christ, while it becomes a source of terror for those who are not spiritually prepared.
- Likewise, the Resurrection and the Second Coming carry joy for the prepared believers and fear for the unprepared.
- Perfect love for God casts out fear; therefore, the person filled with God’s love longs to meet Him and does not fear Him.
- His Holiness Pope Shenouda III calls for guarding the heart from sin so that meeting God will not become frightening, but rather filled with joy and peace.
- The conclusion is that joy in God is the fruit of a pure heart, sincere love, and continual readiness to meet the Lord.
General Message
The Nativity, death, the Resurrection, the Second Coming, and every encounter with God can be either a source of joy or a source of fear according to the condition of the heart. Therefore, the believer is called to a life of repentance, love, and purity so that he may always rejoice in God and await meeting Him in peace.
For better translation support, please contact the center.
