Msgr. Pope on Some of the Paradoxes of Christmas

"There are many paradoxes and seeming impossibilities in the Incarnation. They cannot be fully solved, so they claim our reverence. We genuflected in the past, and today we bow at the mention of the Incarnation in the Creed, for it is a deep mystery.

"As we continue to celebrate Christmas, I would like to list some of the paradoxes of Christmas. I want to say as little about them as possible—just enough to make the paradox clear. This paucity of words (not common with me) is in reverence for the mystery and also to invite your reflection.

"1. The Infinite One becomes an infant. . . .

"5. He who indwells all creation is born in homelessness, no place to dwell.

"6. He, to whom all things in Heaven and on earth belong, is born in poverty and neediness . . ..

"A paradox is something that defies intuition or challenges the common way of thinking. It unsettles us or startles us into thinking more deeply. . . . If you're going to relate to God you're going to deal with a lot of paradox, because God's ways and His thinking often defy those of humans. God is not irrational but He often acts in ways that do not conform to worldly expectations. 

"This Christmas, consider these paradoxes and learn from them. Remember, though, that mysteries are to be lived more so than solved. Reverence is a more proper response to mystery than is excessive curiosity. More is learned in silence than by many words."

In recent commentaries, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on some of the paradoxes of Christmas.

To access Msgr. Pope's complete posts, please visit:

Community in Mission: Paradoxes of Christmas (26 DEC 18)