Merry Christmas!!! What a joyous night. It’s joyous because a child has been born for us. On this night we’re celebrating the day of Christmas that commemorates the coming of baby Jesus into this world and into our lives. Two thousand years ago no one could have imagined that God would send his Son, the Messiah, to us in the form of an infant to be born in the humblest of beginnings.
As we gaze at the manger that we have set up, we’re reminded of the circumstances surrounding the birth of baby Jesus. Because there was no room for Mary and Joseph at the inn, baby Jesus was born in what we would call a barn, a place for farm animals, with very little shelter from the cold. This makes us wonder why God chose this kind of environment to be born into. Surely as our King, he deserved better. But this is what he wanted. This was his way of teaching us that holiness is found in poverty, in humility, and in servitude.
Through this humble birth, the shepherds were privileged to visit and adore baby Jesus. Had Jesus been born as a king in a palace, only the rich and famous would have been able to approach him. But Jesus didn’t come for just the rich and the famous. He came into this world for all of us, including you and me.
As we heard in the Gospel, the angel said to the shepherds, “I am bringing you good news of great joy for all people. For today in the city of David a Savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. Indeed, it was great joy and is still a great joy today. Had Jesus not come, we would all experience a spiritual death at the end of our earthly lives, because our souls have been stained by the original sin of Adam. But now, through our faith in Jesus as our Messiah and the Sacrament of Baptism, we receive the heavenly gifts of the new birth, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and inheritance into the Body of Christ. None of these gifts would have been possible had Jesus not come into our lives.
On this special night, by the grace of God, we should all be glowing with a spirit of joy and peace. This great inner joy and peace is different than what we normally enjoy during the year. There is something special about this spiritual joy and peace. Let us cherish it. Throughout the year we should always strive to draw upon this very special spiritual manifestation of Jesus so we may continue to enjoy it over and over again.
Tonight, we get the impression that we are surrounded by a bright and powerful light, a light of shining love, the light of Jesus. Although through our physical eyes it does not appear that much is different in the Church tonight compared to yesterday or last Sunday, yet in our hearts, we know that there is something very different. Baby Jesus is really present with us here tonight. So is the Blessed Virgin Mary, St Joseph, and all the saints and endless angels. All are commemorating the birth of Jesus. Tonight, we are surrounded by the divine light of love that is intended to unite us all closer and closer as one within the invisible Mystical Body of Christ.
Reflecting on the mystery of the birth of Baby Jesus, during the first reading we heard that Jesus would be named Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Everlasting-Father, and Prince of Peace. These titles of honor echo the fullness of the Holy Trinity. In Baby Jesus co-existed the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. As Jesus said to Philip,” Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. The birth of Jesus holds many mysteries regarding the incarnation of God, Divine Love, mercy, forgiveness, so much spiritual knowledge and understanding.
When Jesus came to earth, as we all know, he suffered, was crucified and died for us. Three days later he resurrected. All this had to happen for Jesus to redeem us and purify us of our sins. All this had to happen for Jesus to establish his Eternal Kingdom as King of Kings. Today Jesus rules in his Kingdom and he awaits all of us who persevere in our living faith
The Kingdom of God belongs to all holy people who love, adore and worship God. It belongs to those who have self-control and reject worldly passions. It belongs to those who await the blessed hope and the coming of our savior, Jesus Christ.
As we continue to worship Baby Jesus during the celebration of this Holy Mass, let us remember that a child has been born for us, Jesus, who came for us and who wants us. His eternal Kingdom will not be complete unless you are part of it. As such, persist in your blessed hope and never take your eyes off of Jesus.