HOMILY: THE
NATIVITY OF THE LORD
Today, Our Savior has been Born!
(Mass during the Night)
Fr. Michael Ufok Udoekpo
v Isa 9:1-6
v Ps 96:1-2, 2-3, 11-13
v Ti 2:11-14
v Luke 2:1-14
Tonight the church everywhere joyfully gather to await and celebrate the
humble birth of Christ, our Lord and Savior. The Light of the world, the Grace
of God, and Prince of Peace. Scripture readings today point to the manner of
this birth and how humanity reacts to it with peace, love, harmony, generosity
of friends, family gatherings and joy!
Christ born for us tonight is the one long foretold by the prophet Isaiah
in that first reading Isaiah 9:1-6. To a hopeless, bullied and
oppressed eighth century BC audience Isaiah proclaimed “the people who
walk in darkness have seen a great light’ upon those who dwell in the land of
gloom a light has shone.” Isaiah
calls them to rejoice for this child represent light, a symbol of hope, freedom
and justice. Upon his shoulder rests dominion, universal kingship, freedom,
justice and mercy. And His name is wonder- counsellor, God- Hero, Father-
Forever, Prince of Peace and the Grace of God, according to Titus 2:11-14.
Of course Christ’s birth, God’s incarnate is God’s grace, gratis, favor,
gifts and blessings of all kinds to all
of humanity, homes and families and this grace is sufficient to everyone, the
rich, the poor, the weak and the humble without discrimination.
This is true when we take a look at the manner or the circumstances
surrounding his birth. Joseph and Mary heavy with child traveled from the
lowly town of Galilee in Nazareth to Judea, the city of David, for census as
stipulated by the their civil law. While there were there God has it that
Christ is born, not in a palace, but in a manger in Bethlehem. With the
guidance of the Angel the first responders were not the rich, but the poor
Bedouin –shepherd who were keeping watch over their flock.
Responding, they hid to the message of the Angel. They were not afraid,
rather they were filled with joy spreading the news, signing with the Angels
and heavenly host the hymn with which we began this celebration with “Glory
to God in the highest and on earth peace to those whom his favor rests.”
As we sing this Gloria tonight, our societies, nations, world today are
still been hunted by the darkness of poverty, hunger, division, terrorism,
racism and wars, to name, but a few. That being the case, we are invited tonight
not to be afraid of the future, but to rejoice, celebrate, share the gifts,
food, drinks, clothing, cards, and blessings God has blessed us with, with our
neighbors. And like the shepherds of today’s gospel, continue to be the heralds
and conduits of the peace, joy and salvation Christ has brought us at
Christmas!
Reflection Questions:
1. Could you think of any form of
contemporary acts of injustice or misfortune symbolized by biblical darkness
facing challenges of the Light of Christ at Christmas?
2. Could you think of the graces and
favors of God in your life that Christmas reminds you of?
3. Are you prepared to be the heralds
or the conduits of the joy of Christ- the Good News with your neighbor or
member of your faith community and beyond?
