Four of us had set out to bring the light of Bethlehem into people's homes. In one house we met a Ukrainian family. Grandma and Grandad had come to Germany from Ukraine a few weeks ago to join their daughter and grandchildren. In the light of the candle we brought, I saw their marked faces. Our eyes met. There was a deep sense of closeness. They had all been to Christmas mass the previous night. They didn't understand a word but were deeply moved by the warm-hearted atmosphere. At the end of the mass, I stood opposite the old man. I looked into his eyes. He was smiling at me. I looked at him with the same loving heart. Verbal communication was not possible. And yet: pure life. In those 30 seconds of shared life, eternity dawned. Tears in our eyes. Christmas. Jesus wasn't just lying in the manger of our church, he was there - among us!
