It is 25th December 2020. The readings are from Is 9:1-6; the second reading is from Tit2:11-14; and the Gospel from Lk 2:1-14. Wishing you all a grace filled Christmas endowed with all the blessings of health, happiness, and healing.
God wants to share God’s life and love with us is Christmas. God shares God’s life with us in the person of Jesus.
We have a Son who is Mighty God who heals all our wounds and brokenness and brings us peace, joy and grace.
Two towns were fighting for the birth of Jesus. Each town wanted Jesus to be born. Since they were fighting so much, Jesus said that He would be born in both towns. He went around looking for a home. One home He entered, there was so much of abuse and yelling at children and spouse going on. So he left the place and to another house where they were so busy they did not need the presence of Christ. Where there is anger and hatred, Jesus does not want to be born. And so Jesus decided to enter a nursing home where all children were blind decorating a crib. Jesus stood amidst them and stated play with them and He asked a question: why are you decorating a crib Jesus did not give the power to see. In one chores all children told Him that they have hands, legs, ears and a heart to love one another. Jesus made them all to see Him as Jesus, the little infant. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” (Is.9:2).
When Jesus is born in our hearts, there is grace, light, strength and blessings surround us.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Is.9:6)
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.” (Titus 2:11)
God’s best gift is His Only Son Jesus. Christmas is a time of giving gift. We all love to share gifts with
It was St Francis of Assisi who assembled the first crib in a cave on an Italian hillside in the year 1223. His aim was to make the Christmas story come alive for the people of the locality.
How are we going to make this Christ come alive?
Immanuel – God with us right in front of us and in us. How are we going to make Him alive?
Look at the manger. We have a lot to meditate the mystery of incarnation in a profound and a simple way.
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Lk.2:10)
The Christmas Tree that is so tall and beautiful with full of ornaments. What the Infant at Bethlehem would be impressed by the values of the Kingdom we live making Christ known to the people.
As the shepherds heard the news, so too heard today that there is a Saviour is born for us.
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
They listened to the Word and responded it. May we become the new evangelizers right after the eucharistic celebration. Faith comes by listening.
“Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” (Rom.10:17). Our faith needs to have its action. If Jesus is not born in my heart, it is all vain says St. Angelus Silesius
So many longed to see the new born King, the Messiah and the Saviour. The maiden chance was given to the shepherd got the chance. We too have witnessed the birth of Christ, and so we have to be the missionaries like that of the first missionaries.
We tend to forget someone during the Christmas is the Christ in the poor. Our sharing of love, joy and gifts
The Ten Commandments for Christmas: The following item appeared in a church newsletter and contains some good advice that will help us keep selfishness in check this Christmas:
- Thou shalt not leave “Christ” out of Christmas, making it “Xmas.”
- Thou shalt prepare thy soul for Christmas. Spend not so much on gifts.
III. Thou shalt not let Santa Claus replace Christ
- Thou shalt not burden the shop girl, the mailman, and the merchant with complaints and demands.
- Thou shalt give thyself with thy gift.
- Thou shalt not value gifts received by their cost.
VII. Thou shalt not neglect the needy.
VIII. Thou shalt not neglect thy church.
- Thou shalt be as a little child.
- Thou shalt give thy heart to Christ.
May God bless each one of us as we celebrate this Christmas in a special situation. Wishing you all a peaceful and grace-filled Christmas.