The Right Way to Approach Christmas

Posted by Kendall Harmon

No one can celebrate a genuine Christmas without being truly poor. The self-sufficient, the proud, those who, because they have everything, look down on others, those who have no need even of God—for them there will be no Christmas. Only the poor, the hungry, those who need someone to come on their behalf, will have that someone. That someone is God, Emmanuel, God-with-us. Without poverty of spirit, there can be no abundance of God.

--Archbishop Oscar Romero (1917-1980)

Filed under: * Christian Life / Church Life • Church Year / Liturgical Seasons • Christmas • * Religion News & Commentary • Other Churches • Roman Catholic • * Theology • Christology

4 Comments
Posted December 27, 2010 at 6:48 am [Printer Friendly] [Print w/ comments]



1. Timothy Fountain wrote:

Wow.  Thanks for this, Kendall.  Great insight into Matthew’s version of the Beatitudes as well as a powerful Christmas thought.

December 27, 12:25 pm | [comment link]
2. Larry Morse wrote:

This is pretentious nonsense, dividing the world into two simple classes, one of which is forbidden to enjoy God’s grace. Did Christ come into the world to save ALL sinners or only poor ones? If you are wealthy is the door closed against you? The beatitudes are not an argument of what you MUST be if you wish to enjoy God’s grace, but what you MAY be and still be within the light that he shines. Larry

December 27, 2:54 pm | [comment link]
3. Anthony in TX wrote:

Larry,

Yes, Abp. Romero divides the world into two simple classes but neither of them has anything to do with monetary wealth.

Here are the two:

1. Those that “look down on others, those who have no need even of God”

2. Those who need someone to come on their behalf (i.e. a Savior) ...That Savior is God, Emmanuel, God-with-us.

So, yes, Christ came into the world to save all sinners, but we must first humble ourselves and accept His salvation before we can receive it.

December 27, 3:13 pm | [comment link]
4. Boniface wrote:

Saint Romero of blessed memory proclaims the Gospel in word and deed. Please check out the movie about his life.

December 28, 7:54 pm | [comment link]
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