Christmas: C: December 25, 2024

THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST, THE SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD

First Reading: Isaiah 9: 2 to 7

Second Reading: Titus 2: 11 to 14

Gospel Reading: Luke 2: 1 to 14

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah speaks about the messianic hope of a Saviour who will rescue the people of Israel from their bondage. He prophesies that the child to be born will  be a wonderful counsellor,  mighty God, everlasting Father and Prince of peace. This prophecy of Isaiah finds its fulfilment and meaning at the birth of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world.

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

Silent Night...Holy Night... A Saviour is born today                                              Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. A beautiful and touching description about the night of the birth of our Saviour and Lord Jesus is narrated. It is a story of beautiful angels, shepherds and Mother Mary with Child Jesus in the manger. The Christmas story, unlike many other stories, is based on a historical event - the birth of Jesus in space and time. Christmas story also points to the sharp reality of life experienced by a poor family: Mary and Joseph are desperate for a place to welcome the birth of their child. They are a poor family on a long journey with much uncertainty and experience rejection at every step. The baby is born in a manger, where the animals are fed. The poverty and the simplicity of life is seen in the whole story. It is through the eyes and experiences of the poor that we are saved. We are all poor in the sense that we share one small vulnerable planet in this vast universe. Climate changes and its after effects are affecting the lives of everyone in our planet. God's unending love for humankind is personally expressed by the birth of Jesus. His love is inviting all of us to the manger. The shepherds responded to the call at the first Christmas night. At Jesus' birth in the manger, the humble, simple shepherds are privileged to meet the divine Child and receive His blessings. This great event in Bethlehem is at the center of all creation and of all history. Jesus took human form and He will come in glory at the end of times. He teaches us to live the present in patient expectation of the blessed hope of His future coming. Let this Christmas bring us hope, joy and peace in these times of many challenges that we have to face everyday of our lives. In this context, St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta says: "It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you... yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand. It is not how much you do, but how much you put in the doing. If we were humble, nothing would change us - neither praise nor discouragement." St. Francis of Assisi says: "Christmas is not a time nor a Season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy is to have the real spirit of Christmas. Christmas is a season not only for rejoicing but of reflection."

May the Divine Child born in Bethlehem bless you with His peace, joy and love that only He can give. Amen.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph, December 25, 2024." Thanks.)