“The love in which God made us was in God from without beginning”

Looking at the Nativity scene this year, I am mindful of Julian of Norwich’s insight from the vivid revelations of the divine love, which she received as a gift.

“The love in which God made us was in God from without beginning”, wrote Julian in 1373.

The eternal love of God then so fully embraces our humanity in the particularity of the Incarnation: at Bethlehem amidst the angels, the shepherds and the wise ones from the East.

God’s loving choice, then as now, is to be humbly present: intimate, courteous, giving us delight and assurance. As Julian conveys; so homely, so friendly, so lacking in pretence.

This is our God with us, our Emmanuel, who welcomes us in Jesus glorious and fair divinity.

In response to, as Julian conveys, “our fair bright, blessed Lord”, we might ponder afresh at Christmas the condition of our heart’s generosity.

For, as Jesus says, “From the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45).

Especially, at this crucial time when we know the human family simply must become a more benign and loving presence on this planet.

It is a time for generous hearts.

Bishop Philip Huggins, President
National Council of Churches in Australia