25 December 2013
Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ
[First Day in the Octave of Christmas]
The prophet Isaiah foretold:
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom
a light has shone.
You have brought them abundant joy
and great rejoicing.
For a child is born to us, a son is given us;
upon his shoulder dominion rests.
They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero,
Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.
With the Lord by your side this Christmas morning, perhaps a brief self-inventory would be of some profit. How am I feeling this Christmas? . . . About myself? About my loved ones? About how I will interact with people today on the phone, to and from church, events, and gatherings? How am I feeling about those I shall encounter today and those I shall not?
Hope, the relational Son of the Father, has been born of Mary this day! God became flesh for you, for me, for us. Are you already in steeped in Hope, or would reflecting a bit more on the words of the prophet (written above) be of some use? Either way, his words are worth re-reading.
No matter whether joy is your constant companion these days or whether you’re laden with burdens, know that Hope can be God’s precious and personal gift to you this Christmas Day, if you but believe in His great Love for you.
May we each recognize the great gifts God offers, especially through His Incarnate Son.
Merry Christmas!