Tonight, we celebrate the greatest event in the history of humanity, the birth of Jesus Christ, Son of God and son of Mary, in the town of Bethlehem, an event heralded by angels in the words of today’s gospel: “I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a Saviour has been born for you who is Christ the Lord” (Lk 2:12). We celebrate this event with great joy because it was the moment that changed human history forever, revealing the boundlessness of God’s grace and, as our second reading tells us, making ‘salvation possible for the whole human race’ (Titus 2:11).
The gospel reading from Luke describes how the Christ child came to be born in a manger in Bethlehem, David’s city, while Mary and Joseph were there for a census of the people. It tells us how angels announce his birth to shepherds who come to worship him.
And we, too, worship him because he is Emmanuel, God-with-us. As we gaze in wonder upon the nativity scene, represented in the Christmas crib, we see the Lord of the universe as a baby dependent on his mother for his every need. Becoming one with us, he became subject to the joys and pains that all human flesh is heir to: the joy of loving parents, of friendship, of play and laughter, of song and dance; but also, the pain of hunger and thirst, disappointment and frustration, grief and sadness. The miracle of Christmas continues to take place in the Bethlehem’s of our own hearts.
In the emptiness of our souls, God forgives us, reassures us, exalts us, lifts us up, loves us. Amid the pain and anguish of a broken people, Christ came with new hope and transforming joy. In the middle of our own dark nights of pain and anguish, God comes and transforms them into holy nights of his peace. This Christmas night, the compassion of God transforms all our nights and days in the brightness of heavenly peace.
As we celebrate Christ’s birth this Christmas, may our hearts burn with the fire of the love he has kindled on this earth. Have a happy, peaceful, and rewarding Christmas.
Fr. Alex Osei
SSC-USA Spiritual Director