Christmas, Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord

December 25, 2017

Readings:

First Reading – Isaiah 9:1-6

Psalm 96

Second Reading – Timothy 2:11-14

Gospel reading according to Luke 2:1-14

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Homily: Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests!

The time came for Mary to give birth to his only Son, Jesus Christ.  This time happened during the censure decreed by Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus, and when Quirinus was governor of Syria, most probably in 4 BC.  Joseph, would be foster father of Jesus, who belonged to the house and family of King David, brought Mary with child to Bethlehem, in Judea, to the City of David “to be enrolled” (cf. Lk. 2:1-5) in that very first enrollment and/or census in the whole world.  As Luke said, “While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son” (2:6). We do not know what time Mary gave birth to Jesus, what we know she gave birth in a cave where domestic animals like sheep, goats and cows are kept in the night, “because there was no room for them in the inn” (Lk. 2:7)..  We do not now who was he owner of that cave.  And we do not know how Mary gave birth to her son.  Was there a midwife who assisted her or her herself alone delivered her baby while she was in labor?  This does not matter, we find Mary “wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger” (Lk. 2:7).  The Baby of Bethlehem, Jesus, was born and now he is in our midst. 

So humble, so simple and lots of poverty surrounding the birth place of the Son of God.  The King of kings, Christ and Lord was born in a cold cave with animals and laid in a manger full of hay to comfort him; and he was covered with swaddling clothes to protect his holy small body.

The first men and women heard this good news were the poor shepherd watching the sheep and goat entrusted to them in the field of Bethlehem.  “Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock” (Lk. 2::8).  When suddenly, “the angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear” (Lk 2:9).  They were surprised when they saw the heavens and the surrounding fields where they were became bright, and the more they were surprised when they saw an angel of the Lord who has glad tidings to announce to them, “The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For today in the City of David a Savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.  And this will be sign for you: You will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger” (Lk. 2:10-12).  “And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Lk. 2:13-14).

Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!!!