This weekend, we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. As John was baptizing the throngs in the Jordan River, Jesus comes walking among the people and John recognizes the Messiah in their midst.

This scene is so much like the public life of Jesus yet to unfold. He spent His time walking among the people, going to places where they gathered: in the temple area, at weddings and banquets, in village squares and people’s homes. When He was among them, He used the opportunities to preach the Good News He came to share.

And this is what is at the heart of the Christmas message. Jesus entered the world in real circumstances the way normal people do. He wanted us to know that where life is lived is where God chooses to make His home . And, He continues to share His good news with us wherever we find ourselves.

At that time as in our own world today, some people listened and were attentive and came to follow Him; others ignored His presence and acted as if He were not even there.

However, that does not negate the reality of God’s presence among us. We have celebrated that entry into humanity during this Christmas Season as we do each year. We are reminded of the mystery of “the Word made Flesh and dwells among us”.

This New Year of 2014 is the perfect opportunity to make a resolution of faith! To be on the lookout for the signs of God all around us and affirm the reality of Christmas once again.