THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD: MASS DURING THE DAY

Isaiah 52: 7-10

Psalm 97

Hebrews 1:1-6

John 1: 1-18

CHRISTMAS: DAY OF WONDER AND JOY

We celebrate today the mystery of the Incarnation: God has become man; the Eternal Word of God has been made flesh and he lives among us. God has become one of us, so that by faith we may become children of God. From his fullness, we have received grace upon grace (John 1, 1-18). That is why Christmas is a day of wonder and joy.

It is a day of wonder because in this little child lying in a manger at Bethlehem, we contemplate God. The invisible God has been made visible. Man can now touch God, hear God crying and being consoled. In this little child, God communicates and reveals his love and mercy to mankind (Heb. 1, 1-6). He identifies himself with each one of us. He shares our human condition, our pain and joy, our misery. In this new born, God comes to live with us, to console us, to be our friend and walk the path of life with us. Therefore, what is important is to welcome him in our lives and be filled with his grace.

In this way, whether we celebrate this Christmas with our family members, or under the bombs, or in tears, or on a sick bed, or in whatever situation we may be going through, the Good News that is announced to us today is the same : Do not be afraid, your Saviour and Redeemer is born. This is the Good News that we are called to receive and carry to our world of fragile peace and broken promises. This is the good tiding we must share in our homes and spread everywhere we may go: “How beautiful on the mountain, are the feet of one who brings good tidings, who heralds peace, brings happiness, proclaims salvation…” (Is. 52:7-10). 

As the song goes: “Great things happen when God mixes with us, great and beautiful, wonderful things. Great things happen when God mixes with us”. May this year’s Christmas bring you a breakthrough in whatever difficult situation you may find yourself. May the Infant Jesus, the Prince of Peace grant you peace, joy and fullness of life. May his light illumine every dark area in your life. Amen.

Merry Christmas!!!