12/24/2025
Reflection:
I heard someone say once that the Old Testament isn't relevant to our current lives, and therefore, we don't need to worry about it. This couldn't be further from the truth! The Old Testament teaches us so much; we learn about creation, the fall in the Garden of Eden, the covenant God made with Abraham, the ways the Jewish people worshiped God, which shaped our own worship. We hear from the prophets, like Isaiah, who told of a coming Messiah (Anointed One), and about the kings who lead Israel through many trials, and tribulations. We hear about exiles and defeats. We know that the people of Israel had been waiting for six centuries following the Babylonian exile for the Messiah to come and set them free from oppression. They waited for a warrior king, someone who would sit on an earthly throne wearing a crown, and was from a great lineage. Think about what image comes to your mind when you hear the word "king". Now, imagine hearing about the long anticipated arrival of a new King and he's born in a stable, to a couple who have nothing to offer, and wrapped in simple cloth, no fanfare from palace halls, no royal decrees or announcements. This is why the genealogy at the beginning of Matthew's Gospel, although tedious, and yes, boring to us, was so important to a Jewish reader. It says that not only does Jesus have a good lineage, but that He is a new Davidic king. He will save people, not from worldly kings, but from the oppression of sin, '"he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,
which means “God is with us.”'
The birth of Jesus brought a New Covenant to all people. We are called to be in communion with God through the sacraments, the Church, His Word, and the Holy Eucharist. Rejoice at the birth of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Rejoice for "A holy day has dawned upon us. Come, you nations, and adore the Lord. For today a great light has come upon the earth."
Task: Sing the Goodness of the Lord!
Be bold! Live your faith without fear of judgement. Tell people why you can't attend an event if it interferes with Mass. Don't be afraid to answer questions, or direct them to someone who might know the answer. Invite them to Mass, events, etc. Shout for joy!
