The first Christmas homily ever given was spoken on the Judean hills surrounding the little town of Bethlehem: the annunciation of the angel to the shepherds on Christmas night.
The first thing the angel said was “Fear not!” How that phrase echoes up and down the Scriptures! When a being from a higher dimension breaks into our world, he typically says, “Do not be afraid.” Paul Tillich, the great Protestant theologian, commented that fear is the fundamental problem, that fear undergirds most forms of human dysfunction. Because we are afraid, we crouch protectively around ourselves; because we’re afraid, we lash out at each other in violence. If Christmas means that God is with us, that God is one of us, that God has come close, then we no longer have to be afraid.
The angel goes on: “For behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” The angel of Bethlehem is the first great evangelist, for he tells thegood news, and it's news for all people. Later on, Jesus will tell his disciples to declare his Lordship to the ends of the earth.
Well, what precisely is the good news? The angel tells us: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Why is David emphasized? Along with Abraham and Moses, David was the most important figure in the history of Israel. He was born, of course, in Bethlehem and thirty years later became king, first in Hebron over the southern tribes, and then in Jerusalem over the whole of the nation. He was the king who united Israel, who defeated the enemies of the people, and who brought the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem.
Over time, the conviction grew upon Israel that a mysterious descendant of David would be king, not just for a time and not just in an earthly sense, but would rule forever and for all nations.
This definitive king of the Jews would be king of the world: the Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Mary said:
“My being proclaims
the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit finds joy
in God my savior,
For he has looked upon
his servant in her lowliness;
all ages to come shall
call me blessed.
God who is mighty
has done great things for me,
holy is his name;
His mercy is from age to age
on those who fear him. He has shown
might with his arm;
he has confused the proud
in their inmost thoughts. He has deposed the mighty
from their thrones
and raised the lowly
to high places.
The hungry he has given
every good thing,
while the rich
he has sent empty away.
He has upheld Israel his servant,
ever mindful of his mercy;
Even as he promised our fathers,
promised Abraham and
his descendants forever.”
Lk 1, 46-5t. For the Children at Christmas 
Lord Jesus, who took little children into your
arms and laughed and played with them,
bless all children this Christmas.
With shining eyes and glad hearts, they nod
their heads so wisely at the stories of the angels,
and a baby cradled in the hay at the end of the
way of a wandering star. May their faith and
expectations never be unrewarded.
Help us to make this a season of joy for them, a time
that shall make you, Lord Jesus, even more real to them.
Watch tenderly over them and keep them safe.
Grant that they grow in health and strength
into spiritual maturity. May they turn to you,
the Friend of children, the Friend of all.
REMEMBER MY BIRTHDAY?
Author Unknown
As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year
there is a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the
celebration will be repeated. During this time there are many people
shopping for gifts, there are many radio announcements, TV
commercials, and in every part of the world everyone is talking that
my birthday is getting closer and closer.
It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people
think of me. As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many
years ago. At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all
that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the
reason for the celebration. Family and friends get together and have a
lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration.
I remember that last year there was a great feast in my honor. The
dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted
nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were
many, many beautifully wrapped gifts. But, do you want to know
something? I wasn't invited. I was the guest of honor and they didn't
remember to send me an invitation. The party was for me, but when that
great day came, I was left outside, they closed the door in my
face........ . and I wanted to be with them and share their table. In
truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years all close
their doors to me.
Since I was not invited, I decided to enter the party without making
any noise. I went in and stood in a corner. They were all drinking;
there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at
everything. They were having a great time. To top it all, this big fat
man all dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered the room
yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He sat on the sofa and all the
children ran to him, saying : "Santa Claus, Santa Claus"... as if the
party were in his honor !
At 12 midnight all the people began to hug each other ; I extended my
arms waiting for someone to hug me and .... do you know .... no one
hugged me. Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them
one by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked
to see if, maybe, there was one for me. What would you feel if on your
birthday everybody shared gifts and you did not get one ? I then
understood that I was unwanted
at that party and quietly left.
Every year it gets worse. People only remember to eat and drink, the
gifts, the parties and nobody remembers me. I would like this
Christmas that you allow me to enter into your life. I would like that
you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came to
this world to give my life for you, on the cross, to save you. Today,
I only want that you believe this with all you heart.
I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their
party, I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one
has ever imagined, a spectacular party. I'm still making the final
arrangements. Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an
invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and I will
make a reservation for you and write your name with golden letters in
my great guest book. Only those on the guest list will be invited to
the party. Those who don't answer the invitation, will be left
outside. Do you know how you can answer this invitation? It is by
extending it to others whom you care for... I'll be waiting for all of
you to attend my party this year...
See you soon .... I love you !
December 24 - Jesus Calling I speak to you from the depths of eternity. Before the world was formed, I am! You hear Me in the depths of your being, where I have taken up residence. I am Christ in you, the hope of Glory. I, your Lord and Savior, am alive within you. Learn to tune in to My living Presence by seeking Me in silence. As you celebrate the wonder of My birth in Bethlehem, celebrate also your rebirth into eternal life. This everlasting gift was the sole purpose of My entering your sin-stained world. Receive My gift with awe and humility. Take time to explore the vast dimensions of My Love. Allow thankfulness to flow freely from your heart in response to My glorious gift. Let My Peace rule in your heart, and be thankful. Before the mountains were brought forth or ever You had formed and given birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting You are God.
—Psalm 90:2 amp To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
—Colossians 1:27 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
—Colossians 3:15 |
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