“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2)
There is something about the Magi’s question that endures beyond their temporal pilgrimage and points us beyond history to the eternal mystery: the Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). It was not just about a location—it was their search for One destined to reign over all thrones and dominions, that they might pay homage to One eternal and transcendent.
The 14th century mystic and theologian Meister Eckhart reminds us:
“What good is it to me if Christ was born in Bethlehem two thousand years ago, if He is not born in me?”
The story of Bethlehem tells us that there was no room in the inn for Christ to be born. Today, the same question applies to us: is there room in our hearts for Him? Not the crowded or commercial spaces, nor the many festive distractions—but the humble, quiet stable of a soul willing to rest, surrender, and consent to God’s Presence, away from the limelight and noise, into the obscurity of hiddenness and repose.
The miracle of Christmas is that the eternal Word, become flesh, is always available to enter the heart of a receptive soul.
As Eckhart teaches:
“The soul must be empty of itself and all things; for only then can God be in it and work in it what He will.”
This birth is not a one-time event, but the ongoing, eternal begetting of Christ within us—borne in the humble stillness of a heart willing to rest, detach, and consent to His Divine Presence.
For many, Christmas will be busy—filled with family, celebrations, and responsibilities—but even in the midst of such activity, we can set apart Christ in our hearts as Lord. (1 Peter 3:15)
A brief pause before setting out on a journey, a short walk to be alone, a lifted thought at the kitchen sink, a moment of quiet repose after the home is tidied—these all help make room for the eternal Word to dwell, bearing light and hope from the inside out. Christ within is our glory and our hope, not only in Bethlehem long ago, but here and now, in the depth of our hearts, ready to transform and guide us through the silent night.
Selah.
#Christmas2025 #Silentnight #themiracleofChristmas #meistereckhart #Matthew22
