Let us rejoice in the coming of the Messiah – the Redeemer not only of the Jewish people but of all people
Reflections on the readings for the Vigil of the Nativity of the Lord (December 24, 2021): 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 darkness experienced by many generations would eventually melt in the light of the bright, holy face of the Christ Child.
At this Vigil Mass celebrating the birth of our Lord, the reading of the Gospel according to St. Matthew, opens with: “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham” (1:1). From there we hear about the many generations down to St. Joseph. Because the husband of Mary was the legal father of Jesus, that meant that Jesus was officially of the line of King David, just as had been prophesized. But before Joseph was able to follow God’s plan, he had to understand the truth of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s pregnancy. We hear what a good man he was and how he wanted to protect her, whatever his painful feelings and fears may have been. Even before Joseph knew that she was indeed bearing the Son of God, he did his best to serve God and help his beloved wife. So an angel spoke to him while he slept, reassuring him, “‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.’ …When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. … She bore a son, and he named Him Jesus” (Matthew 1:20-21,24-25).
And so the Son of God and Son of Mary was born just as the Almighty designed. When we look at lovely Christmas cribs and cards, sing sweet carols, decorate our homes with attractive ornaments, and exchange gifts with family and friends, it makes for a marvelous holiday. But we need to embrace the Holy Day when Jesus came to His people. He was still God, but now human also, and carried in His small hands the hope of eternal life.
Suggested missionary action: As we start our Christmas celebrations, let us resolve to pray the Holy Name of Jesus with reverence throughout the day. We can also carry this habit into the New Year to help us draw closer to Christ with every prayer.