The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas),
Year A – Dec 25, 2019
Readings: Is 52:7-10;
Responsorial Psalm Ps 98:1-6 (R.v.3); Heb1:1-6;
Gospel John 1:1-18 or John
1:1-5.9-14.
Theme - Christ as Light of the Nations
Introduction
Beloved
in Christ, we thank God for bringing us to yet another Christmas Season. Our
liturgy reveals Christ as the light of the world. As we celebrate Christmas, we
are quickly reminded to emulate the celebrant (Jesus) as the Light of the
World. The gospel of John (1:1-18)
states: “In him was life, and the life was the light of the men. The light
shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Our reflection
titled “Christ as Light of the Nations” draws attention to the need for
Christians to embrace the light of Christ through their words and deeds.
Background and Summary of the Readings
In the
first reading (Is 52:7-10)
the Prophet Isaiah speaks of liberation and consolation for the people
returnees from exile. He praises the feet of the one who brings Good News,
heralds peace, brings happiness and proclaims salvation. He assures that the
Lords shall redeem Israel noting that the ends of the earth shall see the
salvation of our God.
The second
reading (Hebrews 1:1-6) reveals how God spoke in the past to our ancestors
through prophets but in our time, he spoke through His Son. It describes him as
the radiant light of God’s glory, perfect copy of his nature and one who
sustains the universe by his command. It notes that now he has destroyed the
defilement of sin and taken his place in divine majesty. It further discloses
that God gave Him the sacred duty of purifying sins while insisting that we
imitate the angels in worshipping Him.
The
gospel (John 1:1-5.9-14)
showcases Christ as the life that is the light of the world which shines in the
dark. It discloses that darkness cannot overpower it even as it maintains that
John was a witness to the light so that everyone might believe through him. The
text emphasizes that it is from him that we all received grace in return for
grace.
Pastoral Application and Lessons
1. Christ Illumines the World:
The Good news of Christmas is that the birth of Christ illumines every facet of
our lives and world.
2. Richer Nations Ought to Assist Poorer Ones: Our
liturgy challenges super powers of
the world to ensure that the shortfall of infrastructure in smaller countries is
top priority.
3. Seek Justice and Peace:
Christians too, wherever they are, are charged not to leave the task of
ensuring justice, development and peace to the United Nations or G-8 countries
alone.
4. Walk the Talk: The
Nativity of Christ challenges us to walk the talk by making sure that the light
of Christ is felt in people’s lives in such a manner that that it dispels the
darkness of secularism, modernism and consumerism in the world.
