CHRISTMAS DAY, YR B
Is 52:7-10; Ps 98
Heb. 1:1-6; John 1:1-18
A GAZE INTO THE MANGER
The gospel according to John is what we have for the Christmas Day Mass. It is very different from the way Matthew and Luke talks about the birth of the saviour. Matthew and Luke actually have what we call infancy narratives, where they give us the story about the birth of Jesus.
John for his part, tells the story of the birth of Jesus in a deeper, spiritual and mystical sense. Like Mark (Mk 1:1), at the very beginning of his Gospel John points out the fact that Jesus is not an ordinary human being. For John He is God, and his existence precedes his coming into the world.
Reading this gospel on Christmas day is to bring our minds to the real reason for the season. That besides the parties, gifts and decorations the message of Christmas is about Gods’ coming into the world- the Emmanuel.
From the other gospel accounts we learn that his name is Jesus – the saviour. But today we focus on the significance of his coming: that his life’s purpose is to bring God close to his people.
Each one of us then, is invited to gaze into the manger and see what lies beyond the clothing of a baby:
The Incarnation
This simply means that our God took on flesh. The apt description of the incarnation is found in John 1:14 ” the word became flesh and made his dwelling among us”. What is important here is not that Jesus came into the world but more specifically, he became a human being. For his reason we too have the opportunity to share his “God nature”
For us, this means that we must respect and hallow our bodies. We must do away with all that makes out bodies unholy. By the coming of Jesus as a human being our bodies are now instruments of holiness and good.
His name is Jesus.
By coming so close to us he will save us from our sins through the enlightenment he brings (Jn 1:5,9). In fact, that is what the name Jesus means – saviour. Jesus’ coming will save us from our sins. He will free us from the bondage of sin. We will no longer be helpless in our temptations and sin. We must be bold enough to approach the saviour. In doing so we must be sincere and honest. What good is there in deceiving the one person who can save you.
He is the fulfilment of Gods’ promise.
When we gaze into the manger see the baby Jesus. Jesus comes to fulfil the promise God made to his people. This promise concerns freedom from sin. Freedom from oppression and a promise of peace and restoration. In Jesus Christ is the fulfilment of all of Gods promises. That is why at the name of Jesus every knee should bow. May every torment in your life bow the name of Jesus. May all that you have lost be restored in the name of Jesus.
Great things begin small
If all we see when we gaze into the manger is a baby and Christmas is seen as an outdooring season, it will be very unfortunate. Through the life and ministry of Jesus which culminates in the cross, we see that God does great things from small beginnings. May the Lord grant increase to every small beginning. May he grant us the courage to go through the process of growth.
” Lord, thank you for coming so close to me. Thank you for coming with the gifts if forgiveness, freedom, peace and restoration.
Fill me with the capacity receive all that you give” Amen.
Have a blessed Christmas.
God bless you.
By Fr. Delight Arnold Carbonu
