Christmas brings us back to God's will in Jesus-the Word and the Light

Christmas Day
Gospel Jn 1:1-18
In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God.
All things came to be through him,
and without him nothing came to be.
What came to be through him was life,
and this life was the light of the human race;
the light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.
A man named John was sent from God.
He came for testimony, to testify to the light,
so that all might believe through him.
He was not the light,
but came to testify to the light.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world,
and the world came to be through him,
but the world did not know him.
He came to what was his own,
but his own people did not accept him.
But to those who did accept him
he gave power to become children of God,
to those who believe in his name,
who were born not by natural generation
nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision
but of God.
And the Word became flesh
and made his dwelling among us,
and we saw his glory,
the glory as of the Father’s only Son,
full of grace and truth.
John testified to him and cried out, saying,
“This was he of whom I said,
‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.’”
From his fullness we have all received,
grace in place of grace,
because while the law was given through Moses,
grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
No one has ever seen God.
The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side,
has revealed him.
Christmas brings us back to God’s will in Jesus-the Word and the Light
The most awaited day has come, and everybody could feel the joyous mood and lingering excitement of Christmas Day if only we could let this moment stay for a while and enjoy the peace, happiness, and comfort that it brings. What did you receive this Christmas? Or better still, what did you spread this Christmas? (virus excluded). We are simply thankful that we have Christmas this year and though times have been rough and tough, we still remain hopeful for indeed Christmastime is not all about the better things we have, gifts, parties, music, decorations, or greeting cards, it is God’s reminder that we are living in His divine presence, the True Light. “For The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom
a light has shone.” Isaiah 9:1-6. Our world in darkness and gloom could weaken and paralyze many of us in hopelessness and misery; with this ongoing battle against the deadly virus, socio-political injustices and conflicts, environmental crisis, and even religious upheavals, there’s should be no room for indifference, passivity, and lethargy for we are supposed to be people of hope and bearers of Jesus’ light that sheds peace, comfort, and joy.
The Gospel of John is called the Prologue that is proclaimed every year on Christmas Day. It perfectly traces the origin of everything as far as the beginning of the world, of life, of the human being is concerned (Book of Genesis). God uttered the word that created the world. “Let there be light…” And out of the chaos, looming darkness, empty backdrop, and nothingness, the voice was heard: Light! and thus the beginning of creation including His creature-man created in His image and likeness. Indeed, God’s word was supremely powerful and a living force that could change everything that crosses its path.
This Word was real beyond our imagination and comprehension. Even prior to creation, we Christians are singularly reminded that even before God’s creation existed, the Word came to be. The original Greek word used by the evangelist is LOGOS which sums up ideas, reason, principle, and judgment within its complex meaning and attributes. Thus, the Word is the Word of God, the Voice of God, and the Will of God. Definitely, the Word creates, transforms, and changes in a dynamic fashion that only God could desire. Even the world was created not out of nothing, but from something. That is why in the Book of Genesis the delight of God: “and it was so good.” Was often repeated. It manifests the loving and infinite goodness of God’s presence.
This Word indeed is God Himself. His Word is the life, the source of vitality of creation. Without the Word of God, there’s no life, no active presence that supports life itself, no direction and development. In brief, the world is reduced to nothing and emptiness. Because we have God’s Word that is the source of divine life and what sustains life, the Gospel explicitly makes a reference to John the Baptist’s role as the one who witnesses to the Word, now the Light of the world. Lo and behold, he is referring to Jesus. As followers of the Light, we ought to walk on this Light to guide us to all truths. However, “The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him.”
Christmas is beyond human sentimentality, memories of childhood fun, spreading joy and cheers, lavish vacations and get-togethers, and all the glitters and colorful outfits. It is remembering the true purpose of Creation which is the Word of God. It is proclaiming that this Word of God became flesh, that God became human in Jesus Christ. When we greet each other, Merry Christmas, it means we acknowledge and are willing to announce to one and all that we received and continue to receive from Jesus Christ the Lord: Christian faith, life, light, and love.
Let us make it simple. Though the Prologue of the Gospel of John is loaded with meanings and complicated descriptions, let us think about Christmas as light, that shines through the darkness, that gives comfort and warmth, easy to reflect, and extensive. To translate it in our daily grind, just be light to others: listen to God’s Word, internalize it, go the distance to spread it, be humble, for one’s light comes from the True Light, and trust the Light at all times.
Remember Christmas is the greatest gift God has given us. God reveals Himself as a babe this Christmas so we as His children can relate to Him as our Father. What an honor and a privilege. Who are we to be so much loved and be so chosen by this great and unfathomable Almighty God? Why me? Why us? Because when God chose us, we become His witnesses of His Son now born into the world.
Some Christmas Reminders
* May the Christmas GIFTS remind us of God’s greatest gift, His only Son.
* May the Christmas CANDLES remind us of Him who is the “Light of the world.”
* May the Christmas TREES remind us of another tree upon which he died.
* May the Christmas CHEER remind us of Him who said, “Be of good cheer.”
* May the Christmas FEAST remind us of Him who is “the Bread of Life.”
* May the Christmas BELLS remind us of the glorious proclamation of His birth.
* May the Christmas CAROLS remind us of the song the angels sang, “Glory to God in the Highest!”
* May the Christmas SEASON remind us in every way of Jesus Christ our King! Fr. Tony
AMS Archbishop Timothy Broglio’s Christmas message title: Spread the Brilliance of the Light of Faith concludes with a prayer: Let us renew our urgent prayer for peace, “Jesus Christ the Babe of Bethlehem came to teach us that we are all brothers and sisters who work together and live in harmony. This call seems too far away yet so present. We must also pray for an authentic and lasting peace that will be a reflection of that great light seen by a people in darkness and overshadowed by gloom.” Merry Christmas everyone. Let the Light shine in your heart and spread goodness, love, and joy. God bless us all.