Share Christmas joy with others
Reflections on the readings for the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) – Mass during the Day (December 25, 2020): IS 52:7-10; PS 98:1,2-3,3-4,5-6; HEB 1:1-6; JN 1:1-1825
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.
We may have to remind ourselves what lies at the heart honoring our Redeemer, born so long ago and so far away.
The season of Advent is over. We are no longer waiting for the coming of the one who will redeem the world from sin, who will reclaim heaven for God’s children. It is Christmas – and we rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ! Both the Old and New Testament readings for this much-loved day proclaim that God has fulfilled the hope that He put in the hearts of all His people: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings glad tidings, announcing peace, bearing good news. … For the Lord comforts His people.… All the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God” (Isaiah 52:7, 10).
Just as Mary and Joseph had to journey a long way from Nazareth to Bethlehem, we have gone through these last few weeks anticipating Christmas morning. Many of us enjoy traditions that go back to our childhoods, sometimes even to the childhoods of our parents and their parents. This year, many Catholics and our fellow Christians will not be able to celebrate in the usual way. The shadow of a pandemic that threatens lives and livelihoods may keep us from being with all the relatives and friends with whom we usually spend time. Yet we still have the opportunity to seek out and discover joy. We can contemplate the beautiful Christmas story by re-reading the appropriate passages in the Gospels according to Matthew and Luke. We can make an effort to talk with as many loved ones as possible today and over this coming week, especially those with whom we have been out of touch or who have experienced particular distress. And always, we can reach out to assist those in greater need than we are. Our kind words and caring actions, and – when appropriate for others and possible for us – gifts of our time and treasure can make a great difference to others. For many people, Christmas is simply a holiday, although a special one. Let’s make sure that for us and those whose lives we touch it is truly a Holy Day. Have a happy and blessed Christmas!
Suggested missionary action: We can thank God for His many blessings to us and our loved ones, even in times of distress. We can ask for guidance in living our treasured faith everyday with the spirit and joy of Christmas.
Add #justonemore to your gift-giving list on this Christmas Day with MISSIO.
