HomiliesCHRISTMAS: MASS DURING THE NIGHTLk 2:1-14WE HAVE HEARD for so many times the account of Jesus birth as recorded in the gospel of Luke. It may be too familiar, but it is filled with meaning. Let us take some moments in this gospel passage and let us reflect on them.
First, the gospel passage speaks about a decree issued by Caesar Augustus which requires all people to register or enroll themselves in their respective towns. We heard that “Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.” Such was the sacrifice of Joseph, and more especially, of Mary because she was pregnant at the time. The action of Joseph and Mary simply speaks of who they are. In the gospel passages of the past days, we have heard that both Mary and Joseph were obedient to the word of God and to God himself, through angel who is the messenger of God. Now, we have heard that both were also obedient to the worldly rulers. Just as they were obedient to God, they were also obedient to the emperor.
Through Mary and Joseph, we are reminded that we are both citizens of the earth and of the kingdom of God. As such, we need to obey to God, and to worldly rulers as well. For some people, they find it easy to obey God and his laws, but they find it difficult to obey human rulers. But this should not be the case. As long as the human rulers are duly elected, and their rules or laws are moral, we are obliged to follow them. These legitimate rulers also get their authority from God.
Secondly, the gospel passage speaks of the manner of the birth of Jesus. The gospel continues, “The time came for Mary to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” At first blush, we could say that the way how Jesus was born was not worthy of him. He is God, and he deserves better than that manger. But it was part of God’s plan. Yes, he is God, but he learned to humble himself. For God to become man or flesh is already an act of humility. But to be born in a manger is a greater act of humility on the part of God. It is also a real poverty.
Humility and poverty are values of the kingdom. The birth of Jesus in a manger reminds us of our calling to humble ourselves and to become poor in the eyes of God. When God calls to be humble, we are reminded that there is Somebody who is more powerful than us whom we must give honor and respect. If we have the power, we no longer feel humble. Children of God remain humble even if they have the resources and power by world standards. Equally when God calls us to be poor, we are reminded that we are always in need of God. To be poor does not mean to live miserably. God does not want us to be miserable. But poverty means a longing or wanting for God. Poverty lets us feel that we ourselves are not complete. And that only God can complete us.
Thirdly, the gospel passage speaks about an encounter between the shepherds and angel. The angel said to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.” Thus, the birth of Jesus is a source of joy for all humans because it meant the fulfillment of God’s plan to save humanity. Salvation is joy. Salvation is the greatest gift of God to us.
This may be a problem that we encounter today. Christmas is becoming too commercialized, and the real essence or meaning of Christmas is simply left out. And worse, there are people today who try to get rid of any Christian trace of Christmas celebration. For us believers, let us be faithful to the original meaning and spirit of Christmas. Christ the Savior is born! That is the truth! His birth has brought us joy because of the salvation that he brings to us. Even if we don’t receive gifts this Christmas, that is not the reason that we cannot be happy. Christ is the greatest gift of God. With Christ, we can always be full of joy.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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