Homilies

CHRISTMAS: MASS DURING THE NIGHT (A Son is Born)

THIS IS THE Silent Night, and the Holy Night!

The Incarnation or the birth of Jesus has been prophesied in the Old Testament. The prophet Isaiah tells about the coming of Jesus, and his words that were proclaimed in the First reading contain some truths about Christmas.

First of all, Isaiah prophesies that “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” The Christmas story tells us some of these people who are described in Isaiah’s prophecy. We have Mary and Joseph who have travelled down from Galilee and they arrived in Bethlehem so tired. There are shepherds who make their way down from the hills in the surrounding countryside and then, will soon reach the stable. A few days later, the Wise Men (Magi) will cross far greater distances with the guidance of a star. And at the end of these three journeys, there comes the great Light, that is, the Child Jesus who is the glory of God and peace to men and women. The destination of these travelers is the Child Jesus who is the Light.

Secondly, Isaiah prophesies about the birth of Jesus: “For a child is born to us, a son is given us. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.” The Child Jesus is born in a stable in Bethlehem. He is born in a condition of extreme poverty: poor among the poor. But Isaiah describes that the One who is born is not an ordinary child. This Child is the Son of God; He is of one being with the Father. Foretold by the Prophets, He was made man by the power of the Holy Spirit in the womb of a Virgin, Mary.

The gospel tells us about the details of Christ’s birth. We have heard about the census that brings Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Thus, Joseph returns to the town of Bethlehem, the place where David began as a humble shepherd. It is here in Bethlehem that the new King, David’s son and Lord, will be born, and to be worshipped by shepherds. Jesus is laid in a manger on a stable, because there was no room at the inn. Thus, the Child Jesus does not come as a mighty emperor. He comes as a Child.

The return of Joseph to Bethlehem is significant. But we have to take note that what brings Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem is not Caesar Augustus, but the Word of God received in their hearts. Both Mary and Joseph have obeyed the Word of God through an Angel. They have cooperated in the great plan of God to save the humanity. That is the story of Christmas.

Every Christmas we also go back to Bethlehem, that is, to the stable. We are invited to reflect on the birth of Jesus there. The child lying in the manger is God’s Word and as such, He is food and drink for our souls. A stable is the place where animals come to eat; the animals are being fed in that place. Thus, the birth of Jesus in the stable points to another truth of Himself. He is not only the Word of God, but He is also the Bread of Life.

The manger has become part of the Christmas tradition. We find it in the Church, as well as, in our homes. With Mary and Joseph, we take a moment to pause before the manger, before Jesus who is born as bread for our life. Let us always be thankful for His humble and infinite love. AMEN.

« Back to Homilies Index