This is the time to thank God for caring about us as tenderly as Mary cared for the Holy Infant
Reflections on the readings for the Vigil Mass at Christmas (December 24, 2018): IS 62:1-5; PS 89:4-5,16-17,27,29; ACTS 13:16-17,22-25; MT 1:1-25
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.
The purple and pink candles on the Advent wreath are replaced with white ones. We move from expectation to fulfillment with the birth of the Christ Child.
Adam and Abraham and David make way for Jesus Christ who, as we recite in the Apostles’ Creed, “was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.” The peace and joy that we have longed for are now born in every heart that is open to His immeasurable love and mercy. “I have made a covenant with My chosen one, I have sworn to David My servant: Forever will I confirm your posterity and establish your throne for all generations” (Psalm 89:4-5).
Most of us have plans for the Christmas holidays. We visit family and friends, exchange gifts, and eat festive meals. We go to church, listen to carols, and make donations to charity. And, too often, we even feel some relief that a hectic time is over, as well as a little disappointment that somehow Christmas is not all we desired. Yet, it is not too late. Let us pause and take time to think about the Nativity scene in our home or in church. Let us remember the hope of Advent and embrace the joy of the Christmas, embodied in a baby who would live and die for us. And who will one day call us home to Himself forever.
Suggested missionary action: Light a candle and thank God for loving you more than you can possibly imagine. And thank Him for creating and loving all the rest of us as well.
Celebrate Christmas with the missions of the Church. Visit MISSIO.org.
