Joyful encounter: Maria and Elisabet celebrate the miracle of Christmas!

Joyful encounter: Maria and Elisabet celebrate the miracle of Christmas!

Amberg, Deutschland - On December 24, 2024, Bishop Rudolf Voderholzer celebrated an impressive festival service in the Regensburg cathedral on the occasion of the anniversary of the crib friends. In his speech, he addressed the remarkable encounter between Maria and Elisabet, which comes from the Gospel of Luke. Maria, who made her way to Judea, not only faced the challenges of a long and risky journey, but also came to help her pregnant cousin Elisabet. "Maria is the humble maid, who first thinks of others," emphasized Bishop Voderholzer and referred to the theological dimensions of the encounter, which symbolically stands for the joy and the history of salvation. The moment when the unborn child of Johannes hopped in the body of Elisabet is seen as a profound connection between the two mothers who recognize the divinity of their children.

The importance of encounter

As underlined in the sermon by Bishop Bertram in Augsburg, the episode not only reflects human connection, but also has an immense meaning for the Christian faith. Elisabets's call to the joy, "you are blessed among women", is regarded as the first confession of Messia, which offers valuable theological insights. Bishop Bertram explained that the Holy Spirit made Elisabet a prophet, as well as the realization that the mothers of their unborn children support each other in their faith.

In addition, Bishop Voderholzer gave the assembled believers practical tips for contemplative Christmas visits. "Saying something good is the key to successful encounters," he advised and encouraged to involve the crib as an important tradition in the celebrations. The visit of Mary at Elisabet is therefore not only valued as a biblical event, but also as an inspiration for this year's Christmas celebrations in the families.

The anniversary of the crib friends in Regensburg was taken as an opportunity to reflect the deeper spiritual meaning of the Christmas crib, which plays a central role in Christmas. The tradition of the crib shows is a valuable way to keep the teachings of faith alive and to remember the importance of the symbolic encounter between Maria and Elisabet. Through such celebrations, the faithful strengthen their community and their understanding of beliefs through the generations.

Bishopric of Regensburg reports on the festival service and Diocese of Augsburg illuminates the importance of encounter .