Solemnity: ChristmasReadings
1 Rea: Is 9:1-7
2 Rea: Tit 2:11-14
Gos: Lk 2:1-14
We are at the Christmas Night, the silent night where the birth of Christ shines bright in the manger visited by the shepherds who were held tight in the flight of the cold night. Day of Jesus birth is day of salvation as recalled by the Fathers of the Church. It is day of redemption as told by Simeon at the presentation. It is a day of celebration, jubilation as the savior going to be born in us and around us in silence, solitude in the midst of the multitude.
Jesus birth is a history enshrouded in mystery is the story which recalls the glory as we reflect and celebrate with carols, cribs, greetings, sweets, Christmas tree, cakes….reveals the joy of Christ birth.
The Babe in the manger is not a stranger but a treasure as we surrender we have lot to ponder as see the splendor of his wonder and we wander not a blunder but comes as thunder on the cross revealed by the giver.
The hidden simplicity, expressed in magnanimity of a spirituality lasts the eternity where there is fraternity, charity and a sense of availability makes the divinity to reflect the sublimity of the savior born at Bethlehem. We all bow in serenity, and tranquility to the marvelous Savior visited by gaiety with myrrh, frank incense, and gold gives the odor of life that is spent in serviceability, accountability and responsibility before the creator and creation so is the celebration, jubilation with oscillation and fluctuation of our life in relation to the new born Babe of Bethlehem.
As we heard in the Gospel today, Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem to register according to the decree of Caesar Augustus the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to her first born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and lay in a manger because there was no place in the inn. So a king born in a manger and became one with the poor needy and marginalized. Let us listen to insightful story.
Long time ago there ruled in Persia a wise and good king. He loved his people. He wanted to know how they lived. He wanted to know the hardships they suffered. Often he dressed in the clothes of a working man or a beggar and went to the homes of the poor. No one he visited thought that he was their ruler. One time he visited a very poor man who lived in a cave. He ate the coarse food the poor man ate. He spoke kind, cheerful words to him. Then he left. Later he visited the poor man again and told him clearly, “I am your King.”
How surprised the poor man was! The king thought that the man would surely ask for some gift or favor. But he did not. Instead, he said, “you left your palace and your glory to visit me in this dark, dreary place. You ate the coarse food I ate. You brought gladness to my heart. To others you have given your rich gifts. To me you have given yourself.” This is the truth about the new born Babe of Bethlehem. He has become one with us – Emmanuel!!! He became one with the poor, he became ordinary to the simple and humble.
We have heard the Prophecies of Prophets beginning with Isaiah during these days of Advent and Christmas? The Catholic theologian Gerald O’Collins, S.J., has called the writings of the prophet Isaiah “the fifth gospel.” Isaiah’s connection to the story of Jesus seems particularly strong in the Advent and Christmas seasons. Even the prophet’s name Isaiah means “Yahweh saves” — foretells the Christmas story.*
Isaiah’s writings are prominent in the liturgies of Christmas
1. He is a prophet of hope and new beginnings. In particular, he speaks of the birth of a new king who will be a “Wonderful Counselor” and “Prince of Peace, a mighty God” as we have heard in the first reading. The people who have walked in the dark have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of darkness, on them light has shown. Christians have seen in his words a foretelling of the birth of Jesus.
2. He is a prophet of the compassion of God. Isaiah’s God is a God of mercy, comfort and consolation, much like the Father of whom Jesus spoke.
3. Isaiah was the first to articulate that the God of the Jews is also the God of all people. God’s mercy was to reach beyond the boundaries of Jerusalem and Judah to extend to all peoples in every corner of the earth. Jesus, who brought the gospel to Jew and Gentile alike, very consciously exercised his ministry in the spirit of Isaiah.
4. Isaiah is a prophet of peace and justice. Harmony among all peoples and compassion for the poor are the hallmarks of God’s presence. As Prophet Isaiah speaks to our world of today, hope to those who are hopeless because of the Pandemic, Corona virus. Many people are in the dark, fear and anxiety envelops humanity, we are called to be hopeful, faithful and cheerful and nor fearful.
We have heard the Zephaniah’s prophecy that, “I will prepare humble people”, 3:1-2; Jacob’s prophecy, “Judah will hold the Royal scepter,” Gen 49:2; Jeremiah prophesies that “a descendent of David will rule as king” 23:5…; Nathan’s Prophecy that, “your Kingdom will last forever” 2Sam 7: 1-5… All these prophesies lead to one truth – A just, righteous king will catapult Humanity, Christianity and Catholicity with unique spirituality as St. Paul reminds us today that in Christ the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all. Therefore we need to live a life of hope, sobriety, uprightness and godly values and renounce irreligion and worldly passions. The Savor will appear again in his glory and we need to be prepared to receive him. Let us pray that the New Born Babe of Bethlehem bless us with peace, joy and happiness as we all celebrate the birth of our savior.
Happy Christmas to you all!
Fr. Peter Mascarenhas SMM