Christmas
Isaiah 62:11–12; Psalm 97; Titus 3:4–7; Luke 2:15–20
The birth of the homeless, a miraculous birth and a timeless tale now celebrated in every home. In each abode, let His love prevail. Love is the true meaning of Christmas. John 3:16–17 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” Christmas is the celebration of this incredible act of love. Why does God love us so much? Because He is love itself (1 John 4:8).
The real Christmas story is the story of God becoming a human being in the person of Jesus Christ. Why is Christmas necessary? We needed a Savior! Why do we celebrate Christmas each year? Out of gratitude for what God did for us, we remember His birth by giving each other gifts, worshiping Him, and being especially conscious of the poor.
As we celebrate Christmas today, the gospel tells us that the shepherds listened to the message of the angels and hurried to the stable, where they found the child. In our search for the divine life, we too must listen to the angels for guidance. We must heed the words of scripture for light and salvation.
Again, the shepherds worshipped the new-born king. With them, we too are called to worship ever-newly the Savior. These wisemen prostrated in worship and presented gifts. We must learn to express the right gesture at worship and offer sincere sacrifices.
Lastly, “Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.” Let us meditate and reflect on Christmas. How can we birth Christ anew in our world? Every birth is God’s precious gift; let us spread this joy to everyone we meet.
Let us pray.
All through this Christmas celebration, we shall see God’s goodness; no weapon formed against any of us shall prevail; it shall be congratulations all the way for us; sicknesses and diseases shall be far from us this Christmas; and may the purpose of Christmas be fulfilled in our lives in Jesus name. Amen!
HAPPY CHRISTMAS!
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
