A Christmas Homily (2007)
[”Adoration of the Child” (1439-43) by Fra Angelico]
How many of you have been to Oberndorf, Austria? OK, it is not one of the top vacation spots, but it was in that small village in 1818 that an event happened that led to an expression of the meaning of Christmas which people will most likely cherish for as long as the world endures.
It was just a few days before Christmas when the organ in the church of St. Nicola broke down. Some say that some of the pipes rusted out, while others say mice ate some of the workings of the organ. In any case it became clear that there was no way that the organ would be repaired in time for Midnight Mass. The organist, Franz Gruber, asked the parish priest, Fr. Josef Mohr, for permission to use a guitar for the Mass. Gruber explained that they would keep the music simple, but the choir would need some accompaniment.
Fr. Mohr agreed, and mentioned that he had been working on a simple Christmas poem, that most people would be able to understand. Fr. Mohr recognized that his parishioners, the villagers of Oberndorf, were without much education as were the shepherds who were invited to the crib in Bethlehem. The brief poem, which Fr. Mohr had given no title, was only 26 words in German.
The organist went to work, and shortly before Christmas he completed his melody. At midnight Mass in the church of St. Nicola in Oberndorf, Austria in the year 1818 people sang for the first time “Silent Night.”
This simple carol captured the spirit — the feeling — of Christmas. It is actually a lullaby for the Son of God. The power of this carol lies in its simplicity and humility. From Oberndorf, Austria “Silent Night” has spread throughout the world; having been translated into over 300 languages. This simple carol has so captured the spirit of Christmas, that it has even brought enemies together. During the Christmas cease-fire during the First World War the American and German soldiers sang “Silent Night” together from their foxholes.
The real appeal of Christmas is not so much the truth that God entered the world and that divinity took on humanity, but the manner in which this was done. If Christ had been born of luxury and high rank, the unbelievers would have said that the world was transformed by wealth. If Jesus had been born in Rome, the great city and capital of the Empire, unbelievers would have thought that the transformation had been brought about by civil power.
Instead He chose to be born into the most humble of circumstances. He chose to be born in an insignificant village in a remote province. He chose to be born of a poor maiden, whose husband could not even find them a proper place to stay. Jesus accepts all that poverty implies, hoping to ensnare us and save us by stealth.
It is only the Christ Child lying in the manger who possesses the true secret of life. “For this reason he asks us to welcome him, to make room for him within us, in our hearts, in our homes, in our cities, and in our societies. The words of John’s Prologue echo in our minds and hearts: ‘To all who received him…he gave power to become children of God’ (John 1:12). Let us endeavor to be among those who welcome him. Before him one cannot remain indifferent…. What will our response be? With what attitude will we welcome him? The simplicity of the shepherds and the seeking of the Magi who scrutinized the signs of God by means of the star come to our help. The docility of Mary and the wise prudence of Joseph serve as an example to us…” (Pope Benedict XVI, Audience, January 3, 2007. Libreria Editrice Vatican, www.vatican.va).
By His birth in Bethlehem, Jesus brought into the world the love that binds the world to Himself in a relationship of friendship for all who welcome Him. Saint John of the Cross says, “In giving us all, that is, his Son, in him God has now said all. Fix your eyes on him alone . . . and you will find in addition more than you ask and desire.”
In the “Silent Night”, in the manger in Bethlehem you will find the deepest desire of your heart. You will find the Way, the Truth and the Life that leads to eternal happiness. Embrace the Christ Child, and allow Him to embrace you. Merry Christmas!
