Thursday 25th December – Christmas Day, Solemnity (Mass during the day)

Reflection: John 1:1-18

THE LIGHT OF MEN

“In him was life, and the life was the light of men” John 1:4

Glory to God in the highest and peace to men of goodwill! It is yuletide again; a time of reunion and togetherness. Christmas is a time to share, following the example of our Father who gave his only son to redeem us. What a perfect example of love which we ought to imitate as children of God every day of our lives.

Today’s reading reminds us of the mystery of the incarnation; the Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). The miracle of the incarnation showcases God’s mercy and brings to fulfillment His plan of redemption. To refuse to ponder on such great mystery is to deliberately remain in the darkness of ignorance and this ultimately prevents us from celebrating the birth of Christ in its truest sense – it reduces our celebration to mere eating and drinking without leading us to appreciate God for the gift of our salvation.

Beloved in Christ, our lives must be purified by the event of Christmas. As we gather together to celebrate with our family and friends, we must seek ways in which we can be better Christians. Let us allow the light of Christ to permeate every area of our lives and dispel the darkness of hatred, malice, discord and all forms of unrighteousness so that our lives can radiate God’s light and love to others as we share and celebrate today. Let us do all things with the consciousness of Christ’s presence, the joy of the EMMANUEL – God with us. Jesus Christ is the light of the world and in him there is no darkness (1 John 1:5). He is the prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6) which our family and the world constantly needs.

Seek him more in your life and allow him to be the king of your heart. This is the greatest gift you can offer the new born King. Welcome; my Lord and King. Happy Birthday to you, the Light of men. Merry Christmas!!!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, please dispel all darkness in my life and family with the light of your presence. Let me rejoice in your saving power always. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 76 – Why did God become man in Jesus?

“For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven” (Nicene Creed).
In Jesus Christ, God reconciled the world to himself and redeemed mankind from the imprisonment of sin. “God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son” (Jn 3:16). In Jesus, God took on our mortal human flesh (incarnation), shared our earthly lot, our sufferings, and our death, and became one like us in all things but sin.

HIDE A TREASURE: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light”
Isaiah 9:2 GNB

Readings for Today: Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 98:1-6; Hebrews 1:1-6; John 1:1-18