Reflections for Sunday, December 25, 2011 Nativity of the Lord
Meditation and Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion
(Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 98:1-6; Hebrews 1:1-6; John 1:1-18)
Christmas, A Time to Deepen Our Faith in Jesus Our Lord
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. (John 1:14)
For two thousand years, we have celebrated this day—and for good reason. This was no ordinary birth! On this day, Jesus, the “bread of God” came “down from heaven and gave life to the world” (John 6:33). So as we celebrate this joyous occasion, let’s look a little more closely at the way Jesus gave life to the world.
When Jesus came, he brought with him a whole new teaching. He taught us how to think, act, and pray in a way that would bring us closer to his Father. He taught us that it is as important to love one another as it is to love God himself. So let’s vow to put the teachings of Jesus into practice each day. Let’s vow to love one another as Jesus loves us.
Jesus also performed many miracles while he walked this earth. These miracles showed that he had power over nature, over sickness, and over sin. What’s more, he told us that if we believe, we too will be able to perform great miracles (John 14:12). So today, let’s vow to put our faith in Jesus’ words. Let’s renew our belief in him and his power. Let’s pray for miracles, both small and large, and believe that God will answer our prayers.
Jesus came two thousand years ago so that he could save us from sin. He is God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God. Only he has the power to destroy sin and death. So today, let’s look at the baby in the manger and say: “Thank you for saving me and bringing me into eternal life.”
The Incarnation is a deep mystery. It is every bit as incomprehensible as the mystery of the Trinity. How can the Creator enter creation? How can the Eternal enter time? Today, and every day for the rest of our lives, let’s all proclaim:
“Jesus, you are my Lord. I consecrate myself to you.”
(Many thanks to The Word Among Us (www.wau.org) for allowing us to use meditations from their monthly devotional magazine. Used with permission.)
Questions for Reflection/Discussion
- In the first reading, we hear these words, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings glad tidings, announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation, and saying to Zion, ‘Your God is King.’” Each of us is called to bring to others this good news of God’s love that is revealed in the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Who in your family, or friends and neighbors, need to hear this good news? What steps can you take to bring it to them?
- The responsorial psalm tells us to sing joyfully and sing praise to the Lord. If someone were to ask you the source of your joy and peace during this Christmas season, how would you answer them?
- The second reading tells us that “In these last days God has spoken to us through his Son.” How does Jesus “speak” to you and what difference has it made in your life?
- In the Gospel reading, we hear these words, “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.” What do these words mean to you? Share the impact in your life of personally accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?
- The meditation reminds us that Jesus “taught us that it is as important to love one another as it is to love God himself.” It goes on to challenge us with these words: “So let’s vow to put the teachings of Jesus into practice each day. Let’s vow to love one another as Jesus loves us.” Are there people in your life that you have a hard time loving and forgiving? What steps can you take to respond to Jesus’ words and love them as he loves you and forgive them as your heavenly Father has forgiven you?
- Take some time now to pray that this Christmas season would be a special time of grace for you – a time to receive Jesus Christ into your life in a deeper way and surrender your life more completely to him.. Use the prayer at the end of the meditation as the starting point.
