As we gather to celebrate the glorious birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, our spirits are lifted by the profound truth revealed in today’s readings, remembering that there are a number of different readings depending on which mass of Christmas you will be attending. I will be reflecting on the readings for the Mass at Dawn. Whenever we choose to gather on this day to praise God at Holy Mass, there is a palpable joy in the air, a joy that echoes the angelic proclamation: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14).
This morning, we begin with the prophetic words from Isaiah: “Say to daughter Zion, your savior comes!” (Isaiah 62:11). What incredible news this was—news not only for Israel but for the entire world! It speaks to us today as well, for in the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, we witness God’s unfathomable love. This child, whom the shepherds found wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger, is our salvation, and through Him, we can become “the holy people, the redeemed of the LORD” (Isaiah 62:12).
The Responsorial Psalm echoes this theme of joy and light, proclaiming, “A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us” (Psalm 97:1). The darkness that has clouded our world is pierced by the light of Jesus, a light that dispels fear, despair, and loneliness. As we reflect on the meaning of Christmas, let us ask ourselves: How can we let this light shine through us in our lives? How can we bring the joy and peace of Christ to those in darkness around us?
In the second reading from Titus, we see that our savior comes not because of our righteousness or good deeds but out of His generosity and mercy (Titus 3:4-7). This is a profound reminder that our salvation is a gift—a gift freely given to us by God. It is an invitation into a relationship of grace, calling us to respond with hearts open to love, compassion, and forgiveness towards others. As we celebrate this birth, let us remember the urgency of sharing this message of hope and renewal in our daily interactions.
As we contemplate the joyful mystery of Christmas, tonight, as I am preparing this reflection on Christmas eve, the evening of the 24th, we will witness a significant event in the life of the Church. Pope Francis will open the Holy Door in Rome, initiating the Jubilee Year of 2025. This year is dedicated to the theme of mercy. It serves as a reminder that God’s mercy is always available to us, inviting us to deepen our faith and to seek forgiveness and reconciliation in our lives. The opening of the Holy Door symbolizes a passage into this grace, where we can encounter the tenderness of God’s love anew.
During this Jubilee Year, the faithful will have the opportunity to gain indulgences, which can be understood as a way to receive the Church's encouragement to turn back to God wholeheartedly. As we pass through the Holy Door—whether physically in Rome or spiritually from our hearts—we embark on a journey towards deeper conversion, holiness, and, ultimately, redemption.
Let us reflect on how we can actively participate in this Jubilee year. It encourages us not only to receive God’s mercy but also to extend it to those around us. It is a call to our hearts to be transformed by the grace we receive, allowing us to become instruments of peace and joy.
As we celebrate the Nativity of our Lord, let our hearts be filled with gladness and our voices rise in praise, like the shepherds who “returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen” (Luke 2:20). May we journey through this Christmas season with the fervor to proclaim the good news—Christ is born, and in His birth, we find our hope, our peace, and our calling to love one another just as He loves us.
Merry Christmas! May the Light of Christ guide you all year long. Amen.
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