Joy to the World! A Reflection on our Christmas Liturgy ~ by Phyllis Booth

The Nativity of the Lord (C)

Is 9:1-6

Ps 96:1-2, 2-3, 11, 12, 13 (Lk 2:11)

Tit 2:11-14

Lk 2:1-14

The Mass on Christmas Eve was very inspiring.  It began with the young people recalling the Birth of Our Lord.  They ended the concert with a medley of Christmas Carols.

The Church was decorated with garlands, wreaths, a few nativity scenes in the windows, candles and the beautiful poinsettias that adorned the Nativity Scene at the foot of the altar.  The choir, as usual, gave an excellent spiritual performance.

The first reading spoke of the people walking in darkness and waiting for the light that was to bring them from the slave condition and give them the freedom, compassion and love promised to them many years ago.

Today, the world seems to be experiencing that same darkness.  Countries are at war across the globe; drugs are tearing families and governments apart; guns appear to be the new norm and neighborhoods fear for their safety.

Even though we have read, heard and spoken the Word, mankind has not truly accepted the covenant promised by our God.  Violence causes us to return to God for a while and we seem to remember and practice what was given as our part of the covenant - to pray, study the Word and live its commandment, especially, "to love thy neighbor as we love ourselves."

The second reading encourages us to live as "children of God."  WE can live a clean, lawful life with the help of the Holy Spirit.  Christ's sacrifice on the cross was for all mankind, not a few.  Many churches come together as an ecumenical group to examine how we are alike and encourage members to accept/work on our differences to bring about unity in our world.

The joy, compassion, love, peace, charity and help shown during the weeks before Christmas and on Christmas Day could serve as the beginning of our response to God and prepare the way for His Kingdom on earth.



Image Source: The Birth of Christ