CHRISTMAS JOY

Vigil Mass:  

“I will no longer be silent.” 
Isaiah 62:1

“So shall your God rejoice in you.” 
Isaiah 62:5

“Forever, I will sing the greatness of the Lord.” 
Psalm 89:2a

“God, according to his promise, has brought forth a savior, Jesus.” 
Acts 13:22

“For He will save His people from their sins; God is with us.” 
Matthew 1:24

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Mass During the Night:

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light Isaiah … you have brought them abundant joy.” 
Isaiah 9:1-2

“Sing to the Lord, bless His name.” 
Psalm 96

“Beloved, the grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject Godless ways and worldly desire.” 
St. Paul’s Titus 2:11

“Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” 

Luke 2:14

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Mass During the Day:

“Your God is King.” 

Isaiah 52:7

“Sing to the Lord a new song.” 
Psalm 98

“He has spoken to us through the Son.” 
Hebrews 1:2

“What came to be through Him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” 
John 1:1

As I prepared to write the Christmas reflection, I read the readings for the vigil, the night, and Christmas Day Masses. They all spoke to me and I experienced a feeling of overwhelming joy.  God speaks to us in His Word. It is the living Word. I included the verses that perfectly capture the joy of this day! Take some time to quietly sit with the lines of Scripture above.

What resonates with you? What draws you in? Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you. Open your heart and soul. Allow yourself time and space to reflect. Perhaps choose one or two lines that you will come back to during the Christmas season.

Jesus became a child, to save us from our sins, and to give us eternal life.  He is present in our lives and world. As I look at the babe in the manger, my love overflows, and I experience the awe and wonder of what God has done for us. Dorothy Day captured this in describing Christmas in this way. “Christmas is a time of joy and light.” 

The readings from each Mass are about rejoicing and praising God. They celebrate light, life, and how Jesus overcame the darkness of sin and evil. As Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ as new beginning. I am reminded that I can begin again every day.

 I adore the babe in the manger, however, I know I cannot stay there.  I must grow and become like Jesus. At a parish mission I recently attended the Dominican who preached said something that stayed with me. He said that we are meant to live the life of Jesus. This is the path to becoming a saint. This includes suffering. Christ walks with us during our lives in good times and bad. Christ loves us, cares for us, and accompanies us in all the ups and downs of our lives.  He will give us all we need to become more like Him. This is what St. Paul writes in his Letter to Titus when he speaks of the grace of God appearing and saving us from an unworthy life.

 Christ challenges us and asks us to grow closer to Him.  He asks us to build His kingdom, to share His love, and bring Him to others, as Mary brought Him into the world.  We are to be God bearers and say yes to His invitation.  

His love is ageless, perfect, and undeniable.  He supports us in our heartache, grief, anxiety, sadness, laughter, joy, and tears.  He loves us unconditionally as we are.  When we fall, he picks us up and encourages us to keep trying.  He never gives up on us.  He generously feeds us with His body and blood, the spiritual nourishment for the journey home. How good is our God!

 Gratitude breeds joy, as I praise and give thanks for all Jesus has done for me, I am eternally grateful and Trust in Him.  Jesus takes me out of myself and into the heights.  What else can we say on this day, but Deo Gratias.  Thanks be to God.