Nativity of Our Lord

The Christmas season is a unique time of the Year. It is a happy time that centers on God, love, friendliness, family, friends and exchange of gifts. But the real meaning of Christmas is the Spirit that inspires all of these touching practices. We hear this meaning proclaimed a new in the scripture readings.

               The dominant or central theme of Christmas is God-with-us, love and mercy of God for us that calls out to us for a response. The church throughout the world celebrates the light of the world, Jesus the Christ. As the Prophet Isaiah 9:1 said, “ The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” Again we gather to tell the ancient story “how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.” The church remembers and celebrates this Joyful Mystery of the Nativity of the Lord. “Behold the Virgin shall be with Child and give birth to a Son and They shall call him Emmanuel, a name which means ‘God is with us’” (Isaiah 7:14) . That is the part of the story we need to remember: God is with us! That is the part of the story we gather to celebrate: God is with us! This is Real Christ Mass!

               A mother was explaining to her two small children who were frightened in the night lightening, that she is always connected to them by an invisible string. No matter where they went they were connected, and they were connected to one another and to their friends the same way. Love is the invisible string that connects us all and keeps us from ever being lonely. Jesus came to tell us about the invisible string that connects us with God, God’s love for us, And in Jesus we see our God made visible. Jesus comes to hang out with us: Are we ready to receive Him? We must give Jesus a home in our homes for only then can we give Him to others. As we celebrate this love of God, we must remember/not forget to thank Blessed Virgin Mary who first said “Yes” to God. Pope Paul VI said, “Every mother is like Moses. She does not enter the promise land. She prepares a world she will not see.” St. Mother Teresa said, “It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you.”