Dec 22, 2024 4 min read

The Nativity of the Lord – 25 December 2024

A Note on the Liturgical Season of Christmas

The Christmas season highlights the profound mystery of the Incarnation, where the eternal Word of God “passed over” into human flesh. This divine act connects deeply with the Paschal Mystery, as Christ enters our frail and mortal condition so that we might one day share in His divine, eternal life. This “passing over” begins here and now as we grow in grace and holiness, conferred upon us in Baptism, and reaches its fulfilment when we are united with Him in heaven.

Each Mass for Christmas reflects on this mystery through its specific readings, chosen not in sequence but to highlight different dimensions of the solemnity being celebrated.

Readings for the Four Christmas Masses

1. Vigil Mass

First Reading: Isaiah 62:1-5 The prophet rejoices over Jerusalem, foretelling its vindication and the Lord's delight in His people.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29 A psalm celebrating God's covenant with David and His enduring faithfulness.
Second Reading: Acts 13:16-17, 22-25 Paul recounts Israel's history, showing God's promise fulfilled in Jesus, a descendant of David.
Gospel: Matthew 1:1-25 The genealogy of Jesus, establishing His messianic lineage, and the account of His birth.

2. Mass During the Night

First Reading: Isaiah 9:1-6 A prophecy of a great light dispelling darkness, heralding the birth of a child called “Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God.”
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96:1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13 A song of praise inviting all creation to rejoice in the Lord's coming.
Second Reading: Titus 2:11-14 God’s grace bringing salvation, teaching us to live holy lives as we await Christ’s return.
Gospel: Luke 2:1-14 The narrative of Jesus' birth, the angel's announcement to shepherds, and the heavenly host praising God.

3. Mass at Dawn

First Reading: Isaiah 62:11-12 Proclamation to Zion: “Your Saviour comes,” and the people shall be called “The Holy People, The Redeemed of the Lord.”
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 97:1, 6, 11-12 Rejoicing in God's reign and the revelation of His salvation.
Second Reading: Titus 3:4-7 A reflection on God’s mercy through Jesus, renewing us by the Holy Spirit.
Gospel: Luke 2:15-20 The shepherds visit the newborn Jesus, share the angel's message, and Mary ponders these events in her heart.

4. Mass During the Day

First Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10 A joyful announcement of God’s salvation: “All the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.”
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6 A call to sing a new song to the Lord for His marvellous deeds.
Second Reading: Hebrews 1:1-6 God's communication through His Son, reflecting His glory and sustaining all things.
Gospel: John 1:1-18 The eternal Word made flesh, bringing light and life to the world.

Homily Themes for Christmas

Theme 1: Blessing & Gift

Christmas celebrates the sanctity of human life and relationships, underscored by the humility of God taking on flesh in Christ. The Incarnation reveals that human experience matters deeply to God.

Mary’s faith is a model for us: she believed the promises made to her by God and bore the Word made flesh.
Through Christ’s birth, God demonstrates His faithfulness to His promises of old, assuring us of His faithfulness to our future.

Christmas invites us to cherish the blessings of time, relationships, and peace as divine gifts. These blessings, when lived out in love, reflect the glory of God in our lives.

Theme 2: Light & Dark

The imagery of light and darkness resonates deeply during Christmas, especially for those in the Northern Hemisphere where it falls during the darkest time of year.

Light symbolises Christ’s presence, illuminating the darkness of our struggles.
Darkness reminds us of life’s challenges—illness, loss, and hardship—but also makes the light of Christ shine all the brighter.

The child in the manger would grow to face the darkest experiences of life, from betrayal to death. His Resurrection promises that even in the deepest darkness, there is hope and redemption.

Practical Reflection: Light a candle as a symbol of hope, honouring those who brought love into your life. Consider how you can be a bearer of Christ’s light for others.

Theme 3: The Story of the Christmas Crib and St Francis of Assisi

St Francis of Assisi introduced the Nativity scene in 1223 to bring the Incarnation to life for people. His recreation of the manger in Greccio, complete with animals and villagers, emphasised the humility and simplicity of Christ’s birth.

The Christmas crib invites us to reflect on:

The profound humility of God choosing to be born in poverty.
The call to live simply and authentically, prioritising relationships over materialism.

A Prayer for Christmas

Heavenly Father, On this holy day, we celebrate the birth of Your Son, the eternal Word made flesh. May His light guide us in our darkness, and His love transform our hearts. Help us to live with gratitude, reflecting the blessings You have given us in our care for one another. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saints of the Week:

26th December – St Stephen, the First Martyr

St Stephen was the first Christian martyr, chosen as one of the seven deacons to serve the early Church. His powerful witness to Christ’s resurrection provoked hostility, and he was stoned to death while praying for his persecutors. His life exemplifies unwavering faith and forgiveness, even in the face of great suffering.

27th December – St John, Apostle and Evangelist

St John, known as the “beloved disciple,” was one of Jesus’ closest companions. He authored the Gospel of John, three epistles, and the Book of Revelation. John’s writings are marked by profound theology and a deep emphasis on love. He stood faithfully at the foot of the Cross and was entrusted with the care of Mary, the Mother of Jesus.

28th December – The Holy Innocents, Martyrs

The Feast of the Holy Innocents commemorates the young children in Bethlehem who were killed by King Herod in his attempt to eliminate the Christ child. Though they were too young to understand their martyrdom, these innocents are venerated as the “first martyrs” for Christ, bearing witness to the opposition Christ faced from His birth.