No One Goes Away from Jesus Unchanged

Archdiocese of Washington ^ | 12-23-16 | Msgr. Charles Pope

[Salvation]

No One Goes Away from Jesus Unchanged

Msgr. Charles Pope • December 23, 2016 •

The video below is a 2008 Coca-Cola commercial that takes up the theme of the star of Christmas.

Let us review the impact that the star of Christmas had on the wise men, the Magi.

1. The star moved them to seek meaning outside themselves; it made them look out and up.
2. The star called them beyond what was familiar in their own country and world and expanded their horizons toward Christ and His Kingdom.
3. The star summoned them to seek Christ, and when they found Him, to worship Him.
4. The star drew them to be generous to a poor family in Bethlehem; they made sacrifices as they lay costly gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh before the Lord.
5. The star roused them to conversion; they “returned to their country by another route,” following the straight and narrow path rather than the wide and destructive one.

Yes, no one encounters Jesus Christ and goes away unchanged. A blind man went away able to see, the deaf to hear, the lame to walk. The hungry went away satisfied, the ignorant instructed, the guilty forgiven, sinners converted.

The call of the nations to change and to new life began with a star. The light of the star opens the way to the Light of World, Jesus. The star of my life is Jesus.

In the commercial below we see Santa (a name that means “Holy One”) sending forth a star, one that touches people and radiates a light that transforms them.

1. A woman sees the light of that star and is able to forgive her husband and be reconciled with him.
2. A young soccer player sees the light of that star, surrenders his pride, and steps aside to let another share in and get a shot at glory.
3. A young girl sees the light of that star and, giving up some of her own beauty, seeks to beautify a public park for others.
4. A museum guard sees the light of that star and shows mercy to the guard dog with him (this was a silly one).
5. A father sees the light of that star and allows his son a moment of growth.

Yes, there is something about that star that changes everyone who looks at it. They become more forgiving, more gracious, more aware of others, more connected to others, more loving. The light of the star, and the light of the world, is Jesus. His light is meant to have that same effect—and more besides.

In the background of the commercial an old Elvis song plays: “Wise men say only fools rush in, but I can’t help falling in love with you. Shall I stay? Would it be a sin if I can’t help falling in love with you?”

Of course the love that is symbolized by the star is not the romantic love of the song but the brotherly and agape love that Christ gives. Like the Magi who found Christ by the star, no one sees the star of Jesus and encounters Him and then goes away unchanged. Indeed, if we authentically encounter Christ, we are equipped to love, just as the people in this commercial are. We are equipped to forgive, to bring healing, to help others find strength and glory in the truth, and to come to full maturity in Christ. A person who knows Jesus and has encountered Him cannot help loving others, not in some merely sentimental way, but with a strong and vigorous love rooted in the truth. This is the same love that Jesus has for us all.

At the end of the commercial is an exhortation in Spanish that translates as follows: “Give the world the best of you.” The best of me is Jesus.

[Salvation]

Video

[Salvation]

Monsignor Pope Ping!

[Mercat]

And the message is that Santa Clause is all of us doing things for others and modeling that behavior. Others see it, the star, and the love spreads.

[GreyFriar]

Merry Christmas to all

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hb-KgUwScvQ&feature=youtu.be

[Mrs. Don-o]

Trivial question of mine: What? Santa launched a star (or comet or meteor or something)? Was it inadvertent, or did he do that deliberately? What was he trying to do?

That part was not clear to me.

(Not that it matters.) Cute commercial.

Merry Christmas!!

Happy New Year!!

[marron]

Merry Christmas!

[tired&retired]

"No One Goes Away from Jesus Unchanged".... while that is true.

It is far better to see the changes in people as a result of coming to Jesus.

[thecodont]

Was browsing Christmas songs and videos on YouTube, and came across this gem, "Star of Bethlehem" (John Williams) from the 1990 movie "Home Alone"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pkcg9Vhij4

Now I've added another favorite Christmas song to my list.

It doesn't mention the Incarnation or the Nativity, I wish it would, but it's a great song.

[Mrs. Don-o]

Thanking you so much!

Star Of Bethlehem Lyrics

Star of Bethlehem shining bright
bathing the world in heav'nly light,
Let the glow of your distant glory
fill us with hope this Christmas night.

Star of innocence, star of goodness
gazing out since time began,
You who've lived through endless ages
view with love the age of man.

Star of beauty hear our plea,
whisper your wisdom tenderly.
Star of Bethlehem set us free
make us a world we long to see.

Star of Bethlehem, star up high,
miracle of the midnight sky,
Let your luminous life of heaven
better our hearts and make us fly.

Star of happiness, star of wonder
you see everything from afar,
Cast your eye upon the future
make us wiser than we are.

Star of gentleness, hear our plea,
whisper your wisdom tenderly.
Star of Bethlehem set us free
make us a world we long to see.

source: http://www.lyricsondemand.com/soundtracks/h/homealonelyrics/starofbethlehemlyrics.html