Christmas Reflections by Fr. Michael U. Udoekpo
Masses at Dawn/During the Day ABC
Readings: Isa 62:11-12; Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12; Ti 3:4-7 and Luke 2:15-20/ Isa 52:7-10; Ps 98: 1-6; Heb 1:1-6 and John 1:1-18
Reasons for our Christmas Joy
Yesterday I was driving from here to get to the Wal- Mart, the one located in Middle Island. I had to pass through my former church, St. Frances Cabrini Church. On the church’s sign post was written “Jesus is the Reason.” It w as then that I remembered that a week earlier a friend of mine had given me this ornament with similar inscription, “Jesus is the Reason for this Season.” And you can ask my neighbors, Frs. Tom and Babu Michael, I have had this on my door for the past two weeks. Getting to the crowded Wal- Mart I located the section for Seasonal because I was looking for Christmas Cards, at least with the inscription “Merry Christmas.” Unfortunately, they were all sold and out, and you could see and feel the space where they were all parked, except the ones written “Happy Holidays.”
The point of this true story is that in spite of the challenges of time, people, Christians, in our communities and those who go to shops, Wal- Mart and stores are believing more and more, and getting to appreciate more and more that it is not just any holiday- but rather , “Christes Messe”= mass of Christ. We are Celebrating the Birth (nativitas) of Christ our Savior and Messiah at Christmas. It is an important event of our salvation ( Isa 52:7-10; Heb 1:1-6)
Today we gather to celebrate the reasons for our hopes, the birth of Christ the King, the long awaited Messiah by the people of the promise. We celebrate the reasons for the past four weeks’ joyful and spiritual preparations. We are celebrating the reasons- why all the shopping we have so far made. We celebrate the lessons and the reasons for the Christmas Pageant of the other day. We celebrate the reasons for all those decoration in our church, in our homes, in our offices, in our work places, in the plazas, public squares, in shopping and community centers. The reason for that beautiful crib right there as you step out or come into the church. We celebrate the reasons for those soft and beautiful Christmas carols and music that have for the past weeks dominated our radio and Television studios. Those unfading Christmas, CAROLS, “O Come YE ALL FAITHFUL... “ONCE IN ROYAL DAVID CITY...” that echoed in our homes, bedrooms, in the living rooms, in the kitchen areas and dining rooms.
We are celebrating the reasons why we had gathered and given or exchanged those beautiful gifts with our children, grand children, spouses, neighbors, our loved ones, friends and relatives. Gifts that represent the love, the peace and reconciliation that Christ the bridegroom has for us, the bride. I am sure we remember the reasons for those stamps and envelops we have mailed- the candies and cakes, candles and checks, the ribbons and the trees, the wine and their choice colors, the food and their items and the family meals we are getting ready to share these days. All, because a special friend, Christ has been born for us in Bethlehem. He brings the gifts of joy and peace with skills of counseling, reconciliation and the gentleness of a healer.
Today we celebrate a fulfillment of the promises made by Israel prophets- a” a virgin shall conceived and give birth to a child – Immanuel (God is with us) la wnm[ = GOD IS WITH US (Isa 7:14), and he shall be name Jesus (God saves). As in the first reading of today (Isa 62:11-12) the joy of the Israelites who return from the darkness of exile anticipated the Light of the Birth of Christ the Messiah. The hope of ancient Israel, and the child who was to save his people was the centre and focus of prophet’s announcements of hope and expectation.
Finally this hope has arrived in Christ well documented in the Gospel narratives (Matt 1-2; Luke 1-2 and John 1:1-18) God’s abiding presence, His everlasting dwelling among us. The reception given to Christ by the remnant, the believers, the faithful of Israel like Mary (Lk 1:38), Joseph (Matt 1:19-24) the Shepherds of Bethlehem (Lk 2:15-20), Simeon and Hanna are equally challenging to each and every one of us. How we treat and handle one another this Christmas, especially the “Less- Haves” and the Have-nots.” Mary also stands out as our hereon.
With the message of conception brought to Mary, - full of grace by Gabriel, the angel, she knew she was God’s instrument, a handmaid (see my reflection on Immaculate Conception and 4th Sunday of Advent A). Joseph also listened and realized the hands of providence in their marriage and took Mary home. Mary did not stop with that Fiat, when the time came for her to deliver Christ, she went with Joseph from Galilee to Bethlehem- a rough galloping journey on a donkey but peacefully for a civil function of taxation process- there Christ was born humbly in a manger because there was no place for them in the Inn (Lk2:1-14 ). Poor Joseph and Mary, in their ancestral home they had no relative to pass the night with.
This is all God’s design that the humble Jesus born in a humble manger be visited first by humble poor night- watched Shepherd, the ordinarily Israelites who in turn adored Christ and went out to spread the Good news of the birth of the Christ our Savior. It is a lesson for us that happiness in not found in riches and wealth not well gotten and not well used. The birth of Christ is a gift unto us (Ti 3:4-7) and we are encouraged to share our gifts and talents with the less-have. We are called like the shepherd to preach and to spread the real reason for this Christmas to others. It is not just a time for shopping, eating or watching sports. It is a time to be receptive to the gifts that Christ brings to us at Christmas.
The Songs of the Angels, Glory to God in the Highest and Peace to people of good will highlights the content of the package of these gifts: the gifts of peace not war and terrorism, the gift of reconciliation, the gifts of hope and faith, the gifts of wisdom and counseling, justice, happiness and security that Israel’s prophets had long foretold. As we contemplate the significance of today’s saving events in the crib, in Bethlehem may we be receptive like the Shepherd, and be thankfully filled with God’s tender love that Christ the Word made flesh brings (John 1:1-18) us at Christmas. Peace be with you!!!!!!!
Christmas Celebrations
Homily at the Vigil Masses ABC- Udoekpo, Michael
Readings: Isa 62: 1-5; Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Matt 1:1-25
Rejoice: God is with His People and Community
Dear friends in Christ,
Tonight we begin a joyful celebration of the Birth of Christ, our Messiah and Savior.
We gather to celebrate the fulfillment of the promise made us by the prophets that a virgin shall conceived and give birth to a son who shall be named Immanuel (Is 7:14) and a Prince of Peace (Isa 9:4-5). We celebrate an entrance of Light into the world of darkness, war, despair, fears and terrorism. It is a celebration of an important event of our salvation and a contemplation of this mystery received by the faithful remnant of Israel, Mary and Joseph his parents and by those humble Shepherds in Bethlehem, Simeon and Anna.
We celebrate the reasons for the past four weeks of spiritual and material preparations. Reasons for all those shopping! Reason why Santa Claus is in town again. Reasons for all these decoration in our church, in the narthex, the ones in our homes, in our offices, in our work places, in the plazas, public squares, in shopping and community centers. All those snow men dancing with our kids in our homes. We celebrate the reasons for those soft and beautiful Christmas carols and music booming in our radio and TV studios. Those unfading Christmas, CAROLS, “O Come YE ALL FAITHFUL... “ONCE IN ROYAL DAVID CITY...” that echoed in our homes, bedrooms, in the living rooms, in the kitchen areas and dining rooms.
We are celebrating the reasons why we will soon gather to exchange those beautiful gifts and meals with our children, grand children, spouses, neighbors, our loved ones, friends and relatives. Meals and Gifts that represent the love, the peace and reconciliation that Christ the bridegroom brings us at Christmas. Let me not forget we are celebrating the reasons for all those stamps and envelops which we have already mailed- the candies and the cakes, the candles and the checks, the ribbons and the trees, the wine and their choice colors, the food and their items.
Personally I have received so many gifts from you and I want to say thank you very much. All, these are because a special friend, Christ is been born for us in Bethlehem. A friend that in turns brings us the gifts of joy and peace with skills of counseling, reconciliation and the gentleness of a healer.
Without naming names, you and I know that there are still many today who do not believe in Christ and in what we are doing tonight. In the time of Prophets Isaiah (Isa 2: 1-5; 11:1-10; 35:1-6; 61:1ff) and Christ, there were many skeptics, and unbelievers. Think of the opposition from the Pharisees and the Sadducees. Some would asked, “Can something good come from Nazareth” (Jn 1:46)? Just as this preaching and our celebration tonight is important it was necessary for the Evangelist to narrate the stories of the earthly, timely and divine origins of Jesus, Son of Abraham, Son of David and Son of God born of the Holy Spirit for the Jews and the Gentiles. The stories we find in the first two chapters of Matthew and Luke’s’ Gospels. Tonight’s readings (Isa 62: 1-5; Acts 13:16-17; 22-25) as a whole affirm God’s abiding presence in Christ among us and the heroic faith of his parents.
My believe is that however this divine story is been narrated, be it from Matthew’s Gospel read this evening (Matt 1:1-25) or from Luke in other Masses or as reenacted beautifully the other day by our children at the Christmas Pageant narrative, the bottom line is the truth of the Saving Purpose of God for all humanity, Jews and Gentiles, from the beginning, rooted in the Scripture, in Israel’s covenant history, and the exemplary roles of the parents of Jesus and the Shepherds. Whatever went on in their family lives, the miraculous conception of Jesus, they trusted and saw it as divine plan and the will of God.
From the readings tonight we come to appreciate more who Jesus was, his origin and the role of his virtuous parents. We come to appreciate Jesus’ link, his identity with the history of God’s people, the Jews and the Gentiles. It is mystery of God becoming man (Carum Factum Est Jn 1:14) and dwelling among us in our homes and communities (Matt 1:21).
The spiritual significance of this story cannot be overestimated. Jesus is born poor and visited first by the poor shepherd- teaches us that happiness is not to be found in abundance or abuse of earthly goods. Jesus comes into the world without the drama and display of pomposity, encouraging us to be humble and not to always rely or seek for human applause. The disposition of Mary and the care of Joseph are challenging to us- modern families, parents and teachers.
The Songs of the angel “Glory to God in the highest and Peace to people of good will---assures us the peace, the tender love of God and reconciliation that Christ brings us at Christmas. This song challenges all forms of violence and terrorism, personal and institutional. The birth of Christ is Grace onto us and we are encouraged to share this grace with others. Thus Christmas incarnates in a joyful mood the announcement of reconciliation and salvation, the announcement of peace that comes from God. As Christians who celebrate the birth of Christmas, we are called to take up this mood of reconciliation and joyful peace, realizing that the humble birth of Christ Savior in Bethlehem speaks of the tender love of God for us his people. It calls for a fitting response to such love. This response entails accepting his saving love, returning a thankful love to him who loved us first, and then sharing this divine love with one another.
And may the blessings of the Child Jesus, the Son God and our Savior remain with you all at Christmas and New Year. Peace be with you!
Midnight Masses ABC- Udoekpo U. Michael
Readings: Isa 9:1-6; Ps 96: 1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13; Ti 2:11-14 and Luke 2:1-14
Our Savior is Born, Christ the Lord
Earlier this evening at the Vigil Mass we inaugurated an important celebration of Christmas- the Birth of Christ, our King and Savior (Lk 2:11) foretold by the Israel’s Prophets, that a virgin Shall conceived and give birth to a son who shall be named Immanuel la wnm[ = GOD IS WITH US (Isa 7:14). And only upon his shoulder shall dominion and power rests. This Son comes not only as God’s gifts for us, but as a Wonder- Counselor. He comes as a God. He comes as a Hero. He comes as Father incarnate. He comes as a Prince of Peace (Isa 9:4-5) and a dispenser of justice. He comes to destroy the barrier and the power of darkness. He comes with Love.
It is an entrance of Light into the world of darkness, war despair and fears and terrorism. Christmas is a celebration of the victory of Light over darkness. It is celebration of hope and expectation comes to fulfillment. It is a celebration of an important event of our salvation and a contemplation of this mystery received by the faithful remnant of Israel, Mary and Joseph his parents, and by those humble shepherds in Bethlehem, Simeon and Hanna.
However the story of the birth of Christ is been narrated, be it from Matthew’s Gospel as at the vigil Mass or from Luke, tonight’s text, reenacted beautifully the other day by our children at the Christmas Pageant narrative, the bottom line is the truth of the Saving Purpose of God for all humanity, Jews and Gentiles, from the beginning, rooted in the Scripture, in Israel’s covenant history, and the exemplary roles of the parents of Jesus and the Shepherds.
With the Gospel of tonight (Lk 2:1-14), all eyes are fixed on the biblical Manger (crib) in Bethlehem the birth place of Christ and his ancestral home. Although Mary was heavy with Christ, she was required by the civil law to travel with her husband Joseph from Galilee to Bethlehem for a census- process for taxation. There was neither Honda CRV nor Toyotas then. No Cadillac, no SUVs, no BMV nor Lincolns, except and perhaps horses and Donkeys, our children would say- Dominick the Donkey!! It must have been a rough journey for them, especially for an expected mother- like Mary – galloping on a donkey.
Tonight’s story is so important that it has become the delights of Broadway shows, of popular preachers, theatre groups, and church and Christmas pageant functions. However, on arrival there was no place for them in the Inn. Joseph who is usually very discerning took Mary to the Manger where she delivered her Baby Jesus (God Saves).
I have had the privilege of serving as an administrator at St. Mary’s Hospital Urua Akpan in South Eastern Nigeria and as chaplain in many hospitals in this country. I have come across expected mothers with and family. Especially in rural areas in Africa they don’t usually carry a lot with them to the hospital except few belongings. They usually wear on their faces some sense of anxiety, pains and hope of joy especially when the baby is finally delivered. Mary and Joseph may have made their humble preparation. They had the swaddling cloth with which Baby Jesus was wrapped with to keep the Son of God save from cold and dust. Joseph as righteous and discerning as he usually is must also be assisting in the wrapping and in caring for Jesus and Mary.
It was not long the angel of the Lord brought the good news of the birth of Christ, the Glory of the Lord (Isa 9:1) to the poor humble shepherd who were walking around the vicinity of caves and mountains keeping night watch over their flock. They became the first to adore Christ and bearers of the Good News that “Today in the City of David our Savior Christ has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.” And the angels invites us to sing with them- Glory to God in the highest and on earth Peace to everyone whom the Lord favors.
The spiritual significance of this story cannot be overestimated. Jesus is born poor and visited first by the poor shepherd- teaches us that happiness is not to be found in abundance or abuse of earthly goods. Jesus comes into the world without the drama and display of pomposity, encouraging us to be humble and not to always rely or seek for human applause. The disposition of Mary and the care of Joseph are challenging to us- modern families, parents and teachers.
The Songs of the angel “Glory to God in the highest and Peace---assures us the peace, the tender love of God and reconciliation that Christ brings us at Christmas. This song challenges all forms of violence and terrorism, personal and institutional. The birth of Christ is Grace onto us and we are meant as the 2nd reading (Ti 2:11-14) would stress to share this grace with others. We are called to respond to God‘s Love by sharing His Divine Love with one another.
In many cultures around the world we have different ways of celebrating and sharing this Love. Here like in Nigeria we have decorated our homes with flowers, palms fronds and trees. We have cards and gifts exchanged. Usually after the midnight mass/church worship good wishes are exchanged with neighbors, Sancta brings gifts to family members especially our children and grand children and the Christmas meals and stories are shared among family members, songs and carols are chanted- reinforcing the family and faith reunion. No doubt a good part of this has been challenged by multiple distractions of commercialization. But each year when we look at the crib, listen to Christmas songs, reflects on the scriptures, listen to the stories and contemplate the roles of Mary, Joseph, and the Shepherd- God has plan to save us. And May the joy of the Birth of Christ our Savior remains with us throughout Christmas and the New Year.
Peace be with you.
