LUKE 2:1-14
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:
“Glory to God in the highest/ and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
The Joy of Christmas
After carrying the baby for nine months in her womb, Mary now delivers her Child. The birth of Jesus triggers excitement. An angel appears to the shepherds in Bethlehem and announces to them the birth of the Savior in their own city, the city of David. Then a multitude of hosts and angels sing, “Glory to God in the highest…”As the angels exit the scene, the shepherds enter. They hurry to see what the angel has announced. They find everything as described by the angel. All who hear the story of the angels wonder about the meaning of the event. Mary herself keeps these things in her heart. She does not mind her painful laboring and the uncomfortable conditions where she gives birth. Everyone is focused on the Child Jesus.
We Christians should find joy and excitement in today’s celebration of the birth of Jesus. We should not lose its spiritual meaning. In the midst of competing forces that attract our attention, like decorations, food, and gift-giving, we should keep focused on the beginning of our salvation brought about by the Child Jesus. His birth reminds us that God is interested in our salvation. God wants to be in solidarity with us in our struggles, frustrations, and sufferings. Jesus is here to give us joy.
Merry Christmas!
SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2019,” ST. PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.