It is crucial for us to understand who Jesus is because, in a world with countless religions, none has had the profound impact that Jesus Christ has had on humanity. Without Jesus, the world would likely have been consumed by chaos and destruction by now. Hatred and anger might have overwhelmed us, and concepts like mercy, compassion, charity, and forgiveness may never have existed.

For the first time in history, Jesus introduced the words “compassion” and “mercy” in their fullest sense to humanity. Before Him, the sick, lepers, and those of lower castes were often rejected and cast out. People deemed “worthless” by society were ignored or marginalized. Jesus reached out to these “untouchables,” showing them compassion and mercy when the world had abandoned them. He embraced sinners, criminals, prostitutes, and all those considered the worst by societal standards. Jesus loved them, accepted them, and transformed their lives.

This radical change in how people were treated began with Jesus Christ. Throughout history, many have come to believe in one God—revealed through Jesus Christ. No other religious leader has had such a profound and lasting impact on humanity.

John 8:36: “So, if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”

Nobody in this world can truly set us free—not medicine, psychology, therapies, yoga, worldly powers, or even world leaders.

Romans 10:12-13: “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Yet, we may wonder: If Jesus Christ is truly the Savior, why do so many people still not believe in Him? Why are there so-called Christians leaving the faith?

1 Corinthians 2:14: “Those who are nonspiritual do not receive the gifts of God’s Spirit, for they are foolishness to them, and they are unable to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.”

Jeremiah 33:3: “Call to me, and I will answer you and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”

The greatest gift and profound, hidden truths will be revealed to us if we call on Jesus and earnestly seek Him. When we call on God, He will uncover the mysteries of Jesus Christ and make His spiritual secrets known to us. Many Christians, however, fail to seek God in this way, and their faith weakens. They do not understand the deeper truths because these secrets remain hidden from them. Simply identifying as a Christian is not enough; we must actively call on God and the name of Jesus, seeking His presence and guidance to experience the fullness of His revelation.

2 Kings 2:19-22: “Now the people of the city said to Elisha, ‘The location of this city is good, as my lord sees, but the water is bad, and the land is unfruitful.’ He said, ‘Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it.’ So they brought it to him. Then he went to the spring of water and threw the salt into it and said, ‘Thus says the Lord: I have made this water wholesome; from now on neither death nor miscarriage shall come from it.’ So the water has been wholesome to this day, according to the word that Elisha spoke.”

Sometimes, everything around us may seem perfect—our home is beautiful, the family is loving, the location is ideal, and the job is great—but still, there is no true happiness. A couple may appear wonderful yet lack unity, constantly arguing. The children may be good but struggle with addictions or unhealthy behaviors. Even with a good job, financial instability may persist, leaving us feeling empty despite outward appearances.

Hebrews 9:13: “For if the blood of goats and bulls and the sprinkling of the ashes of a heifer sanctifies those who have been defiled so that their flesh is purified…”

In every Holy Eucharist, we receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ. This precious blood of Jesus cleanses us from all our sins, sicknesses, afflictions, impurities, and uncleanliness.

Numbers 21:4-9: “From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became discouraged on the way. The people spoke against God and against Moses, ‘Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.’ Then the Lord sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, ‘We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord to take away the serpents from us.’ So Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.’ So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live.”

In the same way, when we look at Jesus, we will have eternal life and be saved. All the poison of sin within us will disappear. The Nativity Annunciation, the Nativity story, and Christmas are reminders of this truth for us as Christians. Christmas is a big celebration because Jesus Christ is the greatest gift—the hidden gift revealed to us. Through Him, we uncover the profound mystery of salvation.

Transcribed by Jusfica Lobo