December 24, 2013
Christmas
Biologists have discovered something special about reindeer. During the spring, summer and fall when the sun shines, their eyes are the color gold. But around Christmas during the long dark winter nights their eyes are deep blue! When their eyes are blue, reindeer are 1,000 times more sensitive to light. This is a big help when the reindeer pull and guide Santa’s sleigh in the starry night sky.
In our Gospel according to St. Matthew, Joseph finds himself in a dilemma. He is betrothed to Mary but before they live together Mary is found with child. Joseph is a just and kind man. He doesn’t want to embarrass Mary so intends to quietly end the engagement. Behold an angel of God comes to him in a dream! In the middle of the night a messenger of light comes and speaks to Joseph. The angel tells Joseph not to be afraid to take Mary into his home as his wife for she is with child by the Holy Spirit. When the baby is born, Joseph, as foster father, is given the responsibility to name him “Jesus†meaning “God saves us from our sins.†Surely there is special sensitivity in Joseph to the light and message of the angel. When Joseph “awakes†he takes Mary as his wife and lovingly raises Jesus as his own son.
In the Gospel according to St. Matthew, a star, a celestial happening in the night sky, guides wise ones, Magi from the East, to Bethlehem to pay homage to the newborn king of the Jews. When Jesus gives his inaugural Sermon on the Mount, he says to his disciples: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then hide it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lamp-stand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.â€
All of us, who are drawn together at Eucharist to celebrate the birth of Jesus, must enter into deeper friendship with him and announce His kingdom to others. When we welcome Jesus Christ into our hearts and into our lives, there will be an inner glow within and about us. We become bearers of the light – the Light of Christ.
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Christmas
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The First Sunday After Christmas, Feast of the Holy Family
