It’s probably only in our own imaginations – I doubt that even Hollywood’s special effects could do it justice – only in our own imaginations could we see that almost unbelievable scene that took place all those centuries ago and which is described in the Christmas Gospel so simply: “And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those he favours.”

Yet when we see Christ he is a baby, a child, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger – not the place we expect to find  the one whom the prophet Isaiah describes as Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. He appears without power and without voice to show us how God can act through all of us to show His love.

I thought of this when I remembered reading about the evangelical minister in the southern USA who gathered his congregation one night to burn copies of the Harry Potter novels saying that they only served to lead children into evil ways.

This reminded me of a document issued by the Bishops – both Catholic and Protestant  – of England. A document that spoke of Harry Potter as an example for Christian youth to follow.  A document that said that Harry is first seen as one of the powerless and the voiceless who lives in our sort of world – the selfish, materially-driven world. A document which spoke of Harry as an example of Christian values within this selfish, material world  – values of truth, love and – supremely – self-giving and sacrifice.

We celebrate this night the birth of a child who came to bring peace and love to the world and to each of us. That was Christ’s mission. It is the mission of each of us. And we see God’s gift to us in the person of others who have taken up Christ’s mission – for those others are role models.

For adults it may be a person like Jean Vanier, founder of L’Arche, who has given himself to his work with the handicapped and mentally challenged – Jean Vanier who has given us the incredibly wonderful saying: “We belong to God and God belongs to us.”  Or the saintly Mother Theresa who showed us that no one is beyond saving.  And for children it may be a fictional character like Harry Potter – someone of their own age who lives Christian values in their daily lives.  Or it may be someone like the Pakistani teenage activist Malala Yousafzai , the winner of the Nobel Peace prize who has been called “ . . .  a flicker of hope in an age of darkness.”

As we celebrate, each in our own way, the wonderful miracle of the birth of Christ, we thank God not only for this gift of love but also for the examples He gives us of others who show us how we too can follow the way of Christ