Coming Home

Solemnity of the Lord's Birth

December 25, 2015

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.

Psalm	Psalm 95: 1-3, 11-13

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 Pam Manzano

We are all aware of how the story of the prodigal son went. In one way or another, we can all somehow relate to that stubborn kid who gathered all the estate due to him and left his father broken; only to realize in the end that where his father and brother are, there his home is.

Perhaps the blinding commercialism takes its toll on us during Christmas season. We are in a hurry to complete our shopping lists, to decorate our houses with garlands and wreaths. We are busy with planning what the Noche Buena menu should be and who are we inviting over. We get too preoccupied with wrapping our gifts or buying presents for our inaanaks (godchildren) and loved ones. It does not hurt to have all these adornments and festivities around us, but let us not forget that all these do not equate or even come close to the real meaning of Christmas.

The reason why we celebrate this day has been a cliche. We hear it all the time and we are as well reminded by homilies during simbang gabi why and I cannot emphasize the reason and importance of this day anymore than they do but let me give it a try.

CHRIST.

We are remembering the birth of a King. We are remembering how the Father sent the Son, how the Son took on human form to be one of us, one with us. The One who would later on bear all our shame and sins. The One who is the reason why we are saved. Him who became the ultimate sacrifice for mankind's sake.

We are celebrating God's mercy. We are celebrating His goodness, His eternal love that even death couldn't hold down. We are remembering the birth of the Emmanuel - Jesus Christ.

This is the season to renew our vows to the Lord. Now is the perfect time to acknowledge that without Christ we are lost. It does not matter how far we think we've drifted away from Him, today is the day we should come home to His loving embrace, to His mercy, to His never failing love.

How did the story of the prodigal son end? The son decided to come home and asked his father for forgiveness. The patient father welcomed him back into his household. They celebrated the return of the once lost son. They feasted. They rejoiced.

Let us not make this complicated: Jesus is the reason for the season. Let's make this all about Him. Like the prodigal son's father, He is patiently waiting for our return. Go back to Him. Come home to Him. Only then will Christmas, in its truest sense, be fully realized.

Prayer

Father, we want to thank You for Christmas; for Your unfailing love. We find peace and comfort in knowing that You are our home. Allow us to rest in You that we may find strength to continuously seek Your face. In Jesus' Name. Amen.