Today, I feel a certain kind of stillness. The festivities and anticipation have subsided, and we are left with the powerful notion of God being visibly born into the human condition to heal us, save us, and love us. The days following Christmas often feel like an in-between space---a space for the world to catch its breath and reflect on the reality of what it all means.
In this space, John the Baptist makes a confession in the Gospel. He said, “I did not know him.” At first I was startled. John the Baptist did not know him? How could that be? Then I realized that John’s “not knowing” him was not about familiarity. It was about recognition. Until the spirit descended, John did not fully see who Jesus was. Isn’t that often true for us? We move through Advent, Christmas, and even through life, so close and yet so unaware of Jesus the Christ. Jesus, Emmanuel, the Christ, comes near, not only in the manger, but in the face of a stranger, the kindness of a neighbor, in the beauty of creation, the quiet whispers of hope in our hearts. Yet, like John, we may not truly see him, recognize him, or know him.
The post-Christmas respite offers us space to wonder: How often does the mystery of Christ go unnoticed in our ordinary moments? How might we behold him every day? What scales blur our eyes and prevent us from recognizing him without a doubt —busyness? Fear? Distraction? How often do we miss what is right in front of us? The truth is, recognizing Jesus often requires a shift in perspective, a divine unveiling of reality that changes everything. When John finally recognized Jesus, it was because the Spirit revealed the divine truth already present. The Spirit helps us surrender our preconceived notions of how God should appear. The Spirit helps us truly see.
As we step into the first days of a new year, perhaps our invitation is to look for Christ in the moments we might too easily overlook—an unspoken forgiveness, a sunrise breaking through clouds, laughter in unexpected places. The Christ we celebrate is here, and if we open ourselves to the spirit, we might say with wonder: “I did not know him…but now I do.” Let Him shape not only who we are, but also, how we live in our beautiful, holy identity as children of God.
God whose presence is love, help us see you, recognize you, and know you, throughout this new year.
Vivian Amu
I am an alumna of Creighton University. My Jesuit education has taught me to live a more reflective life and find God in every moment. I am originally from Nigeria, West Africa. Currently, I live in the heart of the Midwest in the United States. I consider myself a lifelong learner. I enjoy cooking, watching movies and baking shows. I love reading a good mystery novel. I have read all books written by Agatha Christie and all books in the Sherlock Holmes series. I enjoyed every one of them.
I enjoy writing because it feels like free falling with trust into the arms of God. I find freedom, life, and beauty in praying with poems and scripture. I also contribute to the Living Faith devotionals and feel a lot of gratitude for the opportunity to be a contributor to the Creighton University online ministry reflection webpage.
