'And The Word Became Flesh...'
Reflections on the readings for The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas), Mass During the Day: IS 52:7-10, PS 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6; HEB 1:1-6; JN 1:1-18
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
Christmas is probably the most anticipated day of the year for most Christians, especially families with children. Our deep associations with this holy day unite longstanding faith traditions with personal spiritual beliefs. We make an effort to balance our enjoyment of secular customs with the essence of this occasion: the commemoration of the birth of Christ. We know the beautiful story of the Nativity. We ponder the Holy Family, the angels and shepherds who converge on the village of Bethlehem.
But at some point we need to stop and contemplate exactly who Jesus is and what He means to the world. “And the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us, and we saw His glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). The Holy Infant lying in a manger is our Redeemer and King. And, in time, the whole world will know it.
Suggested missionary action: As we worship the Baby Jesus today, we thank Him for the love and peace at the heart of Christmas. And we ask Him to help us care for those children around the world in greatest need.
