The Great Turning Point of All Things

“What kings and leaders of nations, philosophers and artists, founders of religions and teachers of morals have tried in vain to do – that now happens through a new-born child. Putting to shame the most powerful human efforts and accomplishments, a child is placed here at the midpoint of world history – a child born of human beings, a son given by God.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders. And he will be called wonderful counsellor, might God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Is 9:6)

That mystery of the redemption of the world; everything past and everything future is encompassed here. The infinite mercy of the almighty God comes to us, descends to us in the form of a child, his son. That this child is born for us, this son is given to us, that this human child and Son of God belongs to me, that I know him, have him, love him, that I am his and he is mine – on this alone my life now depends. A child has our life in his hands…….”

Quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer (God in an Manger – Reflections on Advent and Christmas)