For Unto Us, A Savior Is Born ~ Ronnie Archer

Vigil of Christmas 2009




Again this year, the Vigil Mass was preceded by a program nicely done by some of our children.

The program was directed by Christina (Danielle) Davis. Mira, Sabiya and Lord Davis read Christmas poems. Robert Fitzgerald played a musical selection on the piccolo. Isreal Murray played a Christmas song on the drums. Later, he accompanied his brother, DeShawn, singing "Jingle Bells." As we pointed out before, our children are gifted with talent.

At the beginning of the Mass, our Holy Family figurines were brought up by our "First Family," the Kaines and daughter; then placed in the creche. The Kaine sons were candle bearers. It was a rather touching moment!

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We have concluded four weeks of quietly celebrating, preparing and joyously waiting for the birth of Jesus Christ.

Living in this world, it is sometimes so hard for us to realize what this season REALLY means. When we begin hearing/seeing all the "hoopla" soon after Halloween and certainly, the day after Thanksgiving, for the next month and even after... about all the sales, what the merchants are expecting to happen during one of the "biggest" sales seasons of the year; being "advised" about what presents are really "in" this year; how to prepare your house for "all of the holiday guests," and so on and so on...

On this Vigil of Christmas, the readings clearly tell us about the real meaning of this season... "the people who walked in darkness, have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone." "For a child is born to US, a son is given US; upon HIS shoulder dominion rests," among His names are "Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace." His dominion is vast and peaceful.

In the letter from St. Paul to Titus, we hear "The grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires, to live temperately, justly, and devoutly, as we await the blessed hope."

The WORD has come to us in flesh; come to TEACH us to transform our lives so that we do not have to live in darkness. We sometimes cannot receive this Light because we expect HIM to transform us.

We come to church every year. If we are living in darkness, then we should not leave as we came in. We should come, allowing Christ to be reborn in us, so we can come out of the darkness of life. We have to acknowledge that we are in sin/darkness... If we don't acknowledge that we are in darkness and open our eyes and hearts to what Jesus was born for, then we will continue to live in the darkness. We will not be able to receive the Light that God has sent to us.

The angels appeared to the shepherds because they were awake; they were tending sheep; they were responsible. We, also, need to stay "awake/alert."

Unlike the "commercial/secular celebration of Christmas," where even on the news the day after Christmas there was talk of what to do with, where to take the Christmas tree already... For us Catholic Christians, the Christmas Season lasts up until the Baptism of Our Lord, this year on January 10, 2010. We STILL have days to really celebrate and ponder the Mystery of the Incarnation of our God in the gift of His Wonderful Son, Jesus Christ.

Jesus has many names; but the most important name is He is the Source of peace, joy and happiness!

I pray that God will open my heart and eyes; and all hearts and eyes so as to completely receive the true meaning of the Light that has come to us.

When we do receive this, God expects us to share this Light with others. Jesus is to be reborn in us; so that we can be a light to others.

Amen