Isaiah 9:1-7; Titus 2:11-14; and Lk 2:1-14.
“A Light shine in the darkness and the darkness cannot overpower it.”
Dear brothers and sisters,
1. This is the night that was made by the Lord, we rejoice and are glad. For a Light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overpower it. This world in which we live, as it were, was swallowed up in the darkness of sin, shame, misery, and decay; human history was a tragedy with a tragic end; and eternal damnation was the lot of all. Gripped by fear and frustration, humanity frantically searched for God in shades and shadows, making woods, stones, mountains, the image of bulls and goats and other objects, into their gods; offering tones of animals’ blood for appeasement to their self-made gods, in hope of mercy and forgiveness – in the hope to be lifted up from the dark and horrifying cave his sins had plunged him into – but all was in vain. Then came the words of the prophets, rebuking mankind for its sinfulness; and still more importantly, offering humanity the hope of salvation in the days to come, in words like the words of Isaiah in today’s first reading:
“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; on those who live in a land of deep shadow a light has shone. You have made their gladness greater, you have made their joy increase; they rejoice in your presence as men rejoice at harvest time, as men are happy when they divide the spoils.” (Is 9:1-3). The waiting was long and wearisome, but at last, the fullness of time came when God’s grace was revealed in Jesus Christ, the author of our salvation. For as the second reading tells us, “Grace has been revealed, and it has made salvation possible for the whole human race and taught us that what we have to do is to give up everything that does not lead to God, and all our worldly ambitions; we must be self-restrained and live good and religious lives here in this present world, while we are waiting in hope for the blessing which will come with the appearing of the glory of our great God and savior Jesus Christ.” (Tit 2:11-13).
2. The Gospel of today recalls the story of the birth of Jesus, the Light of the world. Joseph set out from the town of Nazareth in Galilee and travelled up to Judea, to the town of David called Bethlehem, to be registered for the census, called for by Caesar Augustus. He went along with Mary, his betrothed. The time came for Mary to have her baby. Because there was no room for them in the inn, Mary gave birth to her son, her first-born, wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger. Close by, in the countryside were shepherds who lived in the fields and watched their flocks. The angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. They were terrified, but the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared with the whole people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly with the angel there was a great throng of the heavenly host, praising God and singing: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace to men who enjoy his favor.” (Lk 2:1-14).
3. Dear friends, the baby of Mary, wrapped in swaddling clothes, is the “Morning Star, the Rising Sun” (Rev 22:16; Mal 4:2; Lk 1:78), whose brightness dispels all darkness of sin. The relationship of John the Baptist to Jesus is like that of a Star to the Sun. For as we read in John’s Gospel, “A man came, sent by God. His name was John. He came as a witness, as a witness to speak for the light, so that everyone might believe through him. He was not the light, only a witness to speak for the light.” (Jn 1:6-8). The Star (John) was not the Sun, it only pointed to the Sun (Christ).
Right now, on this holy night, we behold something greater than the star; something greater than John the Baptist. We behold the Light himself. We could apply to John the Baptist, Jesus’ comparison of Jonah to himself when he chastised the unbelieving crowds – paraphrasing thus: “When John the Baptist preached a baptism of repentance, people abandoned the darkness of their sin and repented. But there is something greater than John the Baptist here.” (cf. Mt 12:41). There is Jesus Christ, the Light, here with us tonight! Could it be said of us as lacking faith, as disbelieving the presence and power of the Light that has dawned amongst us? Could it be that we are still lingering on in the darkness heedless of the apostle’s words, “The night is over; the day is at hand. So, let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Rom 13:12)?
4. Dear friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, Jesus the Light is amongst us. He comes to free us from the enslaving darkness of sin. Let us not fail to recognize his Light that is dawning in our midst. For this is a possible danger – to celebrate Christmas and remain in the darkness of sin, guilt, hatred, anger, wickedness, unforgiveness, pride, lust, and what have you. In today’s Gospel, we are told that “there was no room for them in the inn.” Is there room in our hearts wherein Jesus desires to be born anew on this most holy night? I want us to picture Mary and Joseph, knocking at the door of our hearts and begging for a place inside, wherein Jesus could be born. Is there room for Jesus? Shall we let him in? Jesus is not going to be born again today in the flesh in some manger somewhere out there. He is going to be born anew in our hearts if we let him. This is the cause of our joy at Christmas: that Jesus, our God has become man, so that we might become children of God. The children of God are ever in his presence, glorifying and praising him in their daily living and witnessing. This cannot be it if you come to Church only on Christmas day and on Easter Sunday. He comes to dispel the darkness of sin and of whatever cave in which we are, and to lead us home into the light. Shall we recognize his visitation amongst us for what it really is?
5. Dear friends in Christ, Jesus the Lord is born, so that he may make our trip through this earth enjoyable, lived in God’s love, joy, and peace; lived in God’s grace, and above all, to make it a pathway to the unending bliss of heavenly paradise. That is why Jesus came! The Sun never ceases to shine, even when we lock ourselves in a dark room, hiding away from its rays. It burns on and awaits us to step out into its rays. Always remember that Jesus shines on, awaiting you. Step out of the darkness of hurt, grief, pain, anger, and whatever, and move into the radiant rays of his brightness. Be reminded of this truth, as you gaze at the blinking Christmas lights lighting up our churches and homes today and the days ahead. I wish you and yours a wonderful, blessed, and light-filled Christmas! To God be the glory and honor forever and ever. Amen.
Fr. Anthony D. Lawir,
Pastor, St. Agnes and Our Lady of the Snows Parishes, Pittsfield and Dexter.