Merry Christmas!
Throughout this past year we have had a lot of changing to do with our plans. Due to snow this night also follows suit. Therefore, I also welcome all those who may be watching this Mass from home. For many attending the Midnight Mass is a tradition and at least through the use of YouTube this important tradition can continue. Hopefully next year you will be able to once again follow this tradition in person.
In our Gospel the angels sang a very familiar hymn and so they sang: “Gloria in excelsis Deo” “Glory to God in the highest.” This hymn is familiar for we hear it throughout the year when we assist of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Whenever we hear it at Mass our minds should be taken to the Nativity of the Lord. You see within the crib is not just any child, but God who takes on our human flesh and dwells with us out of love. You see this hymn points the way towards the Lord who continues to come among us in the form of bread and wine which through the words of consecration become the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ our Lord.
The words of the angel are very important to us in this day and age: “Do not be afraid.” So often we allow ourself to be filled with fear. At these moments we take our sight off of the Lord for we lack faith. The angel’s statement should make us realize that everything that our heart could ever long for is discovered within the manger and thus too within the Eucharist. We should not be afraid because God is love and came to dwell with us out of love.
Do we desire to enter into this love of the Godhead or would we rather twist love to the point that is no longer love that we express? Christ came to conquer the sin of Adam. That sin that came about due to the lies of Satan who lead the way to love being twisted. Christ is an outpouring of perfect love for this is the love of the Trinity and the love that dwelt among us and eventually came to embrace the wood of the cross.
Thus in our society we see so many who are looking for truth in all the wrong places. Therefore, it should be no surprise that the sanctity of marriage is under attack, or life within the womb, or the family, what it means to be male and female and created in the image and likeness of God the Father. Therefore, let us be not afraid, let us place us trust in Christ and have faith, let us be bold in our proclamation of Christ and living out what we preach with our lips.
This beautiful night a bright light shines for the whole world to see. To this light the angels sing “Glory to God in the highest. May we too desire adore our Lord and keep our sight place upon Him. Therefore, frequent confession and time spent with the Eucharist. Through these two sacraments you are present with the Lord and His mercy which endures forever. On this Christmas night May we realize the need for this great light and through Christ and His presence among us may ever fear be taken away. May we be stirred out of our slumber always remain true disciples of the Lord no matter the trial, temptation, or hardship which might befall us.
