“God the Creator, God Almighty, did not remain in His majesty, did not look down indifferently on His creation, nor did He wait for the creature to humble itself and return, but He came Himself, emptying Himself of glory, clothing Himself in humility so that He might save lost mankind,” His Eminence Nicolae writes in this year’s Christmas Pastoral Letter.
“We understand that God’s descent to earth produced a profound change in human nature. Under the burden of pride, mankind had become bent down, gazing on material things, and was found empty of the grace of God. The humble God freed mankind, pointed him again heavenward, clothed him again in the garments of grace, and offered him the chance of eternity,” continues the hierarch.
“God has chosen to accomplish the salvation of humanity, in deep humility, unto death, not through a majestic revelation of His glory.”
In the last part of his message, His Eminence Nicolae offers the answer to the question: “Why Almighty God allows these trials in our lives.”
The Anwer: “In order to heal us of spiritual blindness that we might know our own alienation from God.”
His Eminence also explains why is mankind so divided and agitated nowadays.
“The two-thousand-year history of Christianity teaches us that the world, from the Lord’s Nativity until now, is divided between those who recognize Him as Savior and those who deny Him, between those who desire salvation and those who live according to the world and its lusts (cf. 1 John 2:17). To this division is added the fear of disease and of the economic crisis that is cultivated in our world,” adds Metropolitan Nicolae.
“I pray that the Christ Who was born in a manger may grant you the courage and joy of proclamation, health, growth in faith, and unconquerable hope in Him Who descended to earth!” concludes the hierarch.
Photo credit: Arhiva Basilica.ro
