Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20
1 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
“Between Christmas and Epiphany”
Christmas goes between Christmas Day and Epiphany. In some parts of the East, Christmas is celebrated on Epiphany, January 6th.
“I am bringing you news of great joy for all the people” Luke 2:10. This is what Jesus' birth brings to our humanity. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” John 1:14. He brings true joy and calms all kinds of fear “Do not be afraid” Luke 2:10.
Thanks to Jesus' incarnation, three gifts are bestowed upon those who receive Him:
1) Restoration of God’s image and resemblance in human nature;
2) Redemption from our sin; and
3) Salvation leading to happy eternal life.
Celebrating Christmas is proclaiming our renewal of Faith, Hope and Charity through Christ and with Him.
Celebrating Christmas means that we become a reflection of His Presence among us.
May these days of holidays and festivities include a breeze of His love, reaching those who really believe in His incarnation. We are called to be an instrument of peace and a channel of grace, helping others retrieve their full humanity and God’s image that they need to be aware of.
Direct from the Shepherds’ Field near Bethlehem, where you are remembered and prayed for, best wishes for a blessed Christmas full of joy and a renewal of faith for you, your families, and for the whole Church among all nations and cultures.
"Rejoice in the Lord always; I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all" Philippians 4:4-5a. Emmanu El (God is with us), happy are we when we remain with Him, even better, when we remain His.
We receive Him in the Holy Eucharist, becoming One Body because we share in the same bread, Joyful Christmas!
Fr. Kamal & Laurie