The Christmas joy descends from above

There are two ways to perceive time: the ordinary, I think of it as if the time is somewhat flat. This is when we might say, "It was an ordinary Wednesday" or "It was an ordinary morning." Flat time constitutes the majority of our existence. However, there are moments when heavenly time intersects with earthbound time, transforming it into a heightened state. We could call it “high time” (in Danish: Højtid).

So when is the time high?
Now!

That's how it is at Christmas. Here, heaven's time touches earth's time. Perhaps we feel it when we hear the joyful message of Christmas and sing Christmas carols? Maybe we feel it here in the days of Christmas in the presence and companionship of people we care about?

Alternatively, perhaps we haven't truly felt the holiday spirit or don't feel it at all because the monotony of flat time overwhelms our perception.
Maybe we've experienced the loss of a loved one, and the weight of grief and yearning is so profound that finding joy seems challenging.
However, the uplifting message of Christmas isn't exclusively meant for those who are already filled with happiness and cheer. It's also intended for those who feel marginalized, those submerged in the mundane and lacking hope. The Christmas gospel narrates the tale of God entering the world amidst darkness, pain, and the ordinary aspects of life. God chooses to be born as a vulnerable child, deliberately immersing himself in our lives. This, the angels declare to the shepherds in the fields, is the joy that Christmas brings.

The joy of Christmas doesn't originate from within but descends from above. God has descended to Earth to be near humanity—amidst darkness, pain, and every facet of human existence. He has entered our commonplace, our flat time to transform it into a time of celebration. This is the joyful message, even in places where joy may seem absent.

Therefore: Merry Christmas to all!