CHRISTMAS: A: December 25, 2022

               BIRTH OF JESUS OUR SAVIOR

First Reading: Isaiah 9: 1-7

Second Reading: Titus 2: 11-14

Gospel Reading: Luke 2: 1-14

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah speaks about the messianic hope of a Savior who will rescue the chosen people of the Lord God from their bondage and slavery. He assures the people that the child to be born will be a wonderful Counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father and Prince of peace. With the birth of Jesus, this prophecy of Isaiah finds its fulfillment. He is the Lord and Savior of all humankind. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Titus. Paul reminds Titus and all of us that Christ has been revealed as God's living and loving grace and salvation of all. He encourages us to live sober and righteous lives because God in Christ has brought about salvation to all. 

Silent night, Holy night,..........a Savior is born                                      Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. Luke gives us a beautiful and most touching description of the night when Jesus our Savior and Lord is born. It is the story of heavenly angels, about shepherds taking care of their sheep and most important, Blessed Mother Mary with Child Jesus in the manger. The Christmas story unlike many other stories, is based on a historical event which took place more than 2000 years ago in a little village called Bethlehem. It is the story of the birth of Jesus the Lord. God's unending love for humankind is expressed through the birth of Jesus. His love is inviting everyone to the manger like those Shepherds at the first Christmas night. Christmas brings us peace and joy. That is why that night the angels sang, "Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth to men of goodwill". Yes, to receive the peace of the Lord, we need to be persons of goodwill. When Jesus took birth in Bethlehem in a manger, the humble, simple Shepherds are invited to meet Him and receive the blessings of the divine Child. Child Jesus is inviting each one of us to the manger to receive His bountiful blessings.

                      MERRY CHRISTMAS!