Christmas Day 2022

The world was made good because of Jesus.

WORD

"And the Word became flesh

and made his dwelling among us"

(From the Gospel)

OBSERVE

Ever since ancient times, humans have always been aware of the presence of powers beyond his understanding.

In nature, he finds the presence of the gods and goddesses manifested in thunders, storms, drought, and seasons.

With his discovery of the fire, he received a power that would change humanity forever.

Fire allowed him to create tools to cultivate the land, nourish him with a variety of food sources that he can cook, he learned how to forged weapons to protect him from wild animals and enemies.

He also started to build a more permanent abode and structures, and together with his house, he built temples or sanctuaries to his god.

He can now approach the supernatural in a more tangible and concrete way.

This is almost true to all religions.

Among the Israelites whose main source of livelihood is pastoral in nature, God's presence was with them in a visible manner through the Tent of Meeting.

The Gospel tells us about the "Word made Flesh and Dwells among us" which is the fulfillment of the promise of God the Father that he will send us a Messiah who is going to be "Emmanuel" (God with us).

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, as we celebrate the birth of your Son

It reminds us that you are with us, you are among us.

In our joys and sorrows, in our struggles and victory you are with us.

May we find Jesus truly alive not only in our celebrations but also in our lives.

Amen

DISCERN

When Jesus was born, he made manifest the presence of God in a very intimate manner.

From now on, divinity will know how it is to be human.

Of course, God is omnipotent he knows everything, but omnipotence has the element of distance and aloofness.

It does not strike a chord in the heart.

However, when Jesus was born, God becomes one of us, he is among us, not in beautiful temples and lofty doctrines but in every ups and downs of life.

He is no longer the distant "Other" but he is one of us.

This is the source of our joy, that God in his unfathomable love for us, joined us in our human experience becoming intimately connected with us in a manner that early humans could have never imagined.

Merry Christmas.