Fr. Feliz da Costa Martins: “Christmas 2020. Welcome, Child!”

Christmas 2020

WELCOME

Welcome, Child!
I am so happy that you have finally arrived at my house!

I have heard a lot of talk about you.
I know your name, but I am afraid that I cannot grasp the truth and the beauty hidden
and revealed in your sublime and grandiose name:
JESUS the SAVIOR.

Your fame already comes from very far away.
I know where you come from and who sent you.

I have followed your steps in the holy book of the Bible.
And even on internet.
Yes, because nowadays, in this time of universal pandemic,
I have had more time to do it,
Because I am unemployed
And limited to the four walls of my home.

But the internet is a network with a thousand crossroads.
I searched a lot for you
But, I must admit, I have had many disappointments!
And here it is where I have met many other children.

They crossed my path.
Children disguised under your beautiful name.
They were fakes… Fake news.
They fooled me with promises they never kept.

But finally, I met you.
Or – to be honest – you met me.

I admire the respect and freedom you show me.
Thanks for waiting for me for many years.
What patience you show! Only God could have it.

Come in, Child, do not stand at the door.
You may take off the mask! Feel at home! My home is your home.

This night, the vigil has no taste.
The coronavirus has turned everything upside down.
And this saddens me to the core.

But you have arrived. And everything has changed.
The table is ready… it has been for a while.
It is for me and for you. Baccalá, sweets, wine…
Now finally, the vigil has its flavor.

My wife and our three children by now will already be in church.
They ate quickly and then left.
I tried to discourage them: the cold, the snow, the mask, the social distance…

Nothing doing! They had to go to midnight Mass! And they did not pull back.
They will be back very late, but I will not scold them for that…
It is Christmas Night!

A wholehearted thanks for such a beautiful moment!
I have imagined you as a guest. But in truth, you are this home’s Lord.

My Lord and my God!
You know me well.
There are no secrets for you.
I have not been to Confession for many years.

Yes, confession. If you were a priest…
Sorry! I am speaking personally with God.
I want to dream again. To dream of the reality of God in me.

I want to celebrate Christmas with you.
A Christmas for two.
You are born in me and I in you.

And my life will always be Christmas.
Christmas, even in time of pandemic.

Thanks for the peace and salvation you have brought me!
Jesus, Emmanuel!

With good wishes of a Holy and Happy Christmas
And a prosperous New Year 2021.

Feliz da Costa Martins
Comboni Missionary
El Obeid - Sudan