Gospel of Matthew, chapter 1:22

Today we huddle together like anxious children, knowing that He is about to come. On Christmas Day, with a fanfare befitting the importance of His coming, Jesus enters our lives for a glorious forever.

Today’s gospel passage reminds us that the birth of our savior – “Emmanuel, which means God is with us,” was prophesied by Isaiah in the Old Testament.

The child born to us at Christmas is none other than the Word of God in the flesh. God has entered into direct and personal dialogue with human beings by becoming human. The light of the world shines among us. At last, God is one with us in all things but sin, so that we can grow to be one with God.

At its core, Christmas celebrates the birthday of the Son of God who stooped down from heaven to be born as a helpless babe in a manger. That is why Christmas is such a human feast. This human hospitality is rooted in what it means to be a new creation; to be open to the stranger in our midst; and to be open to the child in all of us. We shall find Christmas whenever we accept ourselves as lovable and as loved by God; whenever we enable others to act lovingly and to love others for who they are. This is the true spirit of Christmas. This enables us to spread the Christmas cheer in brightly wrapped packages; in decorated trees; and in blazing hearths. This allows us to taste Christmas in candle-lit dinners; in steaming plum puddings; and in sparkling glasses of wine. The spirit of Christmas at this time of year can be heard in the harmony of choirs; and in the glad shouts of “Merry Christmas” echoing throughout the world.

The word of God has taken on flesh and blood and has entered our lives. Ultimately, Christmas means being willing to recognize that human nature has been transformed so that we may be renewed.

Such is the great gift that Christmas brings.

Merry Christmas!

Fr. Hugh Duffy.