The Most Awaited Day

Solemnity of the Lord's Birth

25 December 2017

First reading                                                                                           Isaiah 9:1-7

The people that walked in darkness

has seen a great light;

on those who live in a land of deep shadow

a light has shone.

You have made their gladness greater,

you have made their joy increase;

they rejoice in your presence

as men rejoice at harvest time,

as men are happy when they are dividing the spoils.

For the yoke that was weighing on him,

the barb across his shoulders,

the rod of his oppressor,

these you break as on the day of Midian.

For all the footgear of battle,

every cloak rolled in blood,

is burnt,

and consumed by fire.

For there is a child born for us,

a son given to us

and dominion is laid on his shoulders;

and this is the name they give him:

Wonder-Counsellor, Mighty-God,

Eternal-Father, Prince-of-Peace.

Wide is his dominion

in a peace that has no end,

for the throne of David

and for his royal power,

which he establishes and makes secure

in justice and integrity.

From this time onwards and for ever,

the jealous love of the Lord of Hosts will do this.

Second reading                                                                           Titus 2:11-14                        God’s grace has been revealed, and it has made salvation possible for the whole human race and taught us that what we have to do is to give up everything that does not lead to God, and all our worldly ambitions; we must be self-restrained and live good and religious lives here in this present world, while we are waiting in hope for the blessing which will come with the Appearing of the glory of our great God and saviour Christ Jesus. He sacrificed himself for us in order to set us free from all wickedness and to purify a people so that it could be his very own and would have no ambition except to do good.

Gospel                                                                                              Luke 2:1-14

Caesar Augustus issued a decree for a census of the whole world to be taken. This census – the first – took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria, and everyone went to his own town to be registered. So Joseph set out from the town of Nazareth in Galilee and travelled up to Judaea, to the town of David called Bethlehem, since he was of David’s House and line, in order to be registered together with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to a son, her first born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn.
  In the countryside close by there were shepherds who lived in the fields and took it in turns to watch their flocks during the night. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone round them. They were terrified, but the angel said, ‘Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the town of David a saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly with the angel there was a great throng of the heavenly host, praising God and singing:
‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and peace to men who enjoy his favour.’

Reflection
By Jessa Janelle Padilla

After our nine days of preparation and waiting, are we ready to welcome Jesus in our life? Yes! Today is our most awaited day, the day when the Word of God became man. Our Savior was born.

In our First Reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah, he said that “the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light”. When we experience a dark moment in our lives, we always see a light that guides and helps us to surpass that moment. God always provides solutions to our problems. When we go home at night, there’s the moon and stars, which God created, to give light to our paths amidst the darkness. During these ber months, as we look up in the sky at night, there are constellations, a lot of stars shining above. God never fails to lead our way to the light. Prophet Isaiah also said that “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; upon his shoulder dominion rests.” The Son of God was born whom we will adore and give praise. The Son whom Saint John the Baptist prepared the way for. The Son who will baptize us with the Holy Spirit.

In our Second Reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Titus, he points out that the appearance of the glory of God and savior Jesus Christ will deliver us from all lawlessness and cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good. May all of us be eager to do what is good for one another. May we inculcate in our minds and hearts that in every action or word we do and say we may not hurt instead benefit and care for others. Let’s apply the quotation ‘No man is an island’ since we cannot survive without other's help, love and care. We should always help, care, and love one another like how Jesus Christ cared and loved us.

In our Gospel reading, Mary gave birth to Jesus in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.  Imagine how Jesus was born. How can you imagine yourselves being born in a manger together with some animals? We are all blessed that we are born in hospitals or even at home and given proper treatment and care. But in the case of Jesus He’s just wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. Let’s be thankful and happy in every blessing that we receive and let’s share it with those in need. The spirit of this season encourages us to give care, happiness, and love to one another. We are challenged to let Christ be born not in a lowly manger anymore, but in our hearts. And not only that. From our hearts, let's bring Him to our loved ones and other people.  As Jesus gave joy to God and to us on that first Christmas, may we also give joy to one another .

A joyous and blessed Christmas to all of us!

Prayer

O dear Jesus, we thank God for sending You to be our Savior. We praise Mary too for cooperating in the Father's plan. You are always the light in our journey. May we always follow Your example and go through the path You have prepared for us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.