After the Feast of the Epiphany, the Church continues to reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation. St John reminds us that to deny Jesus’ coming in the flesh is to misunderstand salvation itself. If Jesus were not truly human, He could not truly save us. As the Letter to the Hebrews teaches, Jesus lived fully as one of us, sharing our struggles and suffering, so that He could lead us to God.

Today, while Jesus’ humanity is easily accepted, His divinity is often softened or avoided. Out of fear of appearing exclusive, Jesus is reduced to a good teacher or one figure among many. In doing so, we weaken our faith and obscure the Gospel.

Reflection Question: How does believing that He is both truly God and truly human change the way I trust Him, follow Him, and live the Gospel today?

We are often tempted to be vague about our faith in order to be inclusive or socially acceptable. Jesus is sometimes presented merely as a moral teacher, a social reformer, or a symbol of peace; rather than the Son of God and Saviour of the world. Such ambiguity may sound gentle, but in truth, it erodes integrity. When faith is reduced to vague values and carefully chosen words, truth becomes negotiable.

St John reminds us to hold fast to what we received from the beginning. Rooted in Scripture and Tradition, and guided by the Holy Spirit, we are called to confess Christ without fear and to surround ourselves with friends who help us grow in truth and holiness, like Saints Basil and Gregory.

Reflection Question: Have I become ambiguous about my faith in Jesus, and who in my life helps me grow in truth, holiness and courage?

Anna, the prophetess, was not influential, powerful, or publicly recognised. Yet her faithfulness did not go unnoticed by God. Anna represents the many hidden servants in the Church: those who pray silently, who serve faithfully behind the scenes, who offer their lives in small, unseen ways. Though the world may overlook them, God sees their hearts.

Because her heart was prepared, Anna was able to recognise Jesus when He was presented in the Temple. This reminds us that Christmas is not merely the remembrance of Christ’s birth in history, but an invitation for Christ to be born anew in our hearts.

St John reminds us that sin and love for the world create barriers to encountering God. True freedom and joy come not from material gifts, but from forgiveness and obedience to God’s Word.

Reflection Question: What might be crowding my heart this Christmas, and what is the Lord inviting me to let go of so that He may truly be born in me?