“Sing praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song." (Psalm 98:5)
Reflections on the readings for the Nativity of the Lord – Mass during the Day (December 25, 2021): IS 52:7-10; PS 98:1,2-3,3-4,5-6;HEB 1:1-6; JN 1:1-18
MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
Light and Word, grace and truth were made flesh in Mary’s womb by the power of the Holy Spirit.
The importance of Christmas to all who believe in Jesus as our Redeemer is shown in many ways; among the most important are the special Masses to celebrate the day. Last evening we had the Vigil, followed by Masses during the night and at dawn. And now is the last of them, the Mass during the day. In the Gospels for the earlier celebrations of the Eucharist, we heard about the Blessed Virgin Mary and her husband, St. Joseph. In response to a census, they had to leave their home in Nazareth to travel to Bethlehem even though she was about to bear a Child. We heard about the birth of her Son, the Son of God. We heard about angels proclaiming His coming and shepherds hurrying to see their Messiah lying in a manger because there was no room for the Holy Family at the inn. We heard so many of the wonderful elements of the Nativity story of Christ, yet it is now, in the Gospel according to St. John, that we hear about what came before and what will come after: the incalculable power and incomprehensible love of God for the life of His people has brought Him among us. We learn that the only Son of God is the Word of God. He always was and will be. “The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world did not know Him. He came to what was His own, but His own people did not accept Him. … 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 of truth” (John 1:9-11,14).
Light and Word, grace and truth were made flesh in Mary’s womb by the power of the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Infant who would reveal God to His people, and make it possible to become adopted children of the Almighty drew His first breath on earth. He opened His eyes and beheld His mother and the world around Him. Jesus’ life earthly had begun. And through Him, our own lives as well.
