Gospel for December 25 2023 – John 1:1-14
Gospel Reflections for December 25 2023
A Christmas surprise.
My favorite image of Christmas is not in the bible, but still affirms a deep truth.
Angels are preparing Jesus to be born in the stable at Bethlehem. The Chief Angel finally says to Jesus, “I have just two words of advice…don’t go! The earth is a bad place filled with human beings …who will hurt you!
Jesus already knew the world was a bad place with dangerous neighborhoods. Yet, nothing would stop Him from coming to rescue the people He loves. How Jesus came was a Christmas surprise.
He could have come as a powerful warrior to conquer evil nations. He could have come in force to make people get along with each other. He chose instead to come as a small vulnerable child …to call forth your love.
A child instantly calls forth your compassion for a helpless person and your courage to care for it. Compassion and courage are the virtues of love that perfectly define our Catholic faith. You see people in need and fearlessly call forth your skills to help.
Jesus did not come to conquer nations. You actually do need armies for that. He came to change the hearts of persons, and only one person at a time. You are that one person that Jesus means to change now.
Jesus wants to bring you more faith, that you may always rely on God’s love, more hope, that you may never despair at the world today, and more love, the true source of your lasting happiness.
Christmas calls forth that love in your heart for all the people around you. No wonder Jesus calls you to come to Mass every week to see and hear His love when He says, This is my Body and Blood …given for your happiness.
You need that weekly connection with His love to keep your love going week to week. We can lose it so easily, and quickly forget the dignity of those around us.
That Jesus came here at all means that every single person is important. He would come to Bethlehem even if you were the only person on earth.
You often hear this phrase, “Have a Merry Christmas!” Our faith is not nostalgia for events long ago in Bethlehem, but truly having Jesus now! Make a promise now that you will treat all with love.
Make a promise now that you will renew it each week at Mass as He asks.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Christmas is not only a yearly remembrance , but also a relationship with the Lord
in a daily encounter.
Wishing you a very merry Christmas and many blessings from the Lord
in the New Year, Fr. Dave!
Thank you, and a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you as well!
Today you would think it was a scam. Mary was indeed a woman of great wisdom and perception in her acceptance of the proposition presented to her. Thanks to her Choice we have acquired Salvation for all Eternity. This Earth and time changing event is wonderful to celebrate each year. Weekly Or Daily Mass is the best way I know of celebrating this Event.
The Scriptures shared and Sacraments received cement our Relationship with our Creator.
Thanks Father Dave and A Merry and Blessed Christmas to you and yours for your endeavors and splendid vocation to the Priesthood.
God Bless!
Yes, I like how you describe Mary as a woman f great wisdom and perception. Daily or weekly Mass will bring that same wisdom to all of us!
Our precious faith is an amazing Faith centered on Love!!! We are so loved that our Jesus would die for us so that we would have forgiveness of sin and an eternity of love with Him!!! We are to live in Love!!! Christmas means LOVE!!! Let’s live our precious Jesus’ Love and share it with others!!!Merry Christmas our precious Father Dave and Merry Christmas to everyone!!! and Merry Christmas our precious Jesus!! Thank you for loving us so much!!! We will loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee others in your love!!!!
Amen to that Franca I agree completely. Merry Christmas! We are Blessed.
and a Happy New Year to all!
so wonderfully said….Merry Christmas Fr Dave and a Blessed and happy New Year
Thank you! Merry Christmas!
With this holy season, I reflect on the beauty of Christmas you brought to your parish and others. The simple message of the Birth of Jesus Christ and the strength of community. It is a time of year when one reflects on the many memories of the season such as hosting an Adoration Team party, Christmas concerts, simple gatherings, School events and more. You have been a blessing for so many in so many ways. You inspire in so many ways to be all we can in this holy season. You too are also a great light. A most Merry Christmas!
Thank yu so much for your kind comments. Much appreciated!