At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Christ; we celebrate Him as our Saviour. We usually associate the word “saviour” with rescuing us from our sins, but biblically and in our tradition, it also has a fundamentally positive meaning. Salvation is the fullness of life, spiritual health and abundance. As our Lord Himself said “I came that they may have life, and life more abundant.” (John 10.10)

Our salvation is ultimately the eternal blessedness of heaven. Here on earth, Our Lord is our salvation especially in the gift of grace which is His own body and blood in Holy Communion, the food and life of our souls.

In our present state, we do need to be saved from our sins. This redemption also comes to us beginning at Christmas. The magi’s gift of myrrh reminds us of the redeeming sacrifice of Christ.

In response to this twofold gift we celebrate on the great feast, we should first of all have sorrow for our sins. This is part of our preparation during Advent. At the same time, we should have great confidence in Our Lord and ask Him to increase our love for Him as He offers Himself to us so generously.