CHRISTMAS IS…

“She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:21

“C is for the Candy trimmed around the Christmas tree.

       R is for the Reindeer prancing by the window pane.

       I is for the Icing on the cake as sweet as sugar cane.

       A is for the Angels who make up the Christmas list.

       Be good and he’ll bring you everything in your Christmas Alphabet.”

       The more you sing this, the more you discover that this alphabet doesn’t really spell out Christmas. Don’t get me wrong. I love this song. Yet subliminally, the definition above spells out the modern-day view of Christmas: commercialized. Harassed. Rushed. Irritatated. Swamped. Trapped in traffic. Money-wasting. Apathetic. Stressed.

       Merely two days to go. Let’s bring back the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas is Christ + mas = Christ + His people = Emmanuel = God is with us. Christmas is the birth of our salvation. Heaven born to earth. The Birthday of Jesus. Obet Cabrillas (kpreacherobet@gmail.com)

Reflection: Let’s re-spell Christmas not just in a song but in our lives!

Isaiah promises relief to a besieged Jerusalem within the next nine months. This is the literal meaning of the text we read here. It is only later that Matthew and the Fathers of the Church are able to see within this prophecy a hint or understanding of the future coming of the Messiah. As we reflect upon Old Testament Scriptures that promise a Messiah, it is important that we understand the literal meaning of the text as well, as this can help us in further understanding the role or person of the Messiah. Here, we can draw the image of the Messiah, Jesus, freeing humanity from the besieging armies of sin through His salvific work.

10 The Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying: 11 “Ask for a sign from the Lord, your God; let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky!” 12 But Ahaz answered, “I will not ask! I will not tempt the Lord!” 13 Then Isaiah said: “Listen, O house of David! Is it not enough for you to weary people, must you also weary my God? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.”

1 The Lord’s are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it. 2 For he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. (R) 3 Who can ascend the mountain of the Lord? Or who may stand in his holy place? 4 One whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean, who desires not what is vain. (R) 5 He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, a reward from God his savior. 6 Such is the race that seeks for him, that seeks the face of the God of Jacob. (R)

Paul always begins his letters with a greeting. There is something to be said for the articles of etiquette that place a high value on respect. It is essential that society does not lose the art of etiquette and respect, because it will help us honor the human dignity of each person. Respect is one of the first aspects to disappear in an uncivilized society — let us ensure that we do our best to maintain it in our families and communities.

1 Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised previously through his prophets in the holy scriptures, 3 the gospel about his Son, descended from David according to the flesh, 4 but established as Son of God in power according to the spirit of holiness through resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him we have received the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith, for the sake of his name, among all the Gentiles, 6 among whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ; 7 to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The birth of Jesus marks a new era in history where we can say that one of us is God. The Incarnation reminds us of our dignity as human persons and, thus, of our responsibility to respect one another. Let us always seek to discover new ways of respecting and helping one another whenever we can and so build up the Body of Christ by affirming and supporting one another in our Christian lives and ministries.

The virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel.

18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. 20 Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. 21 She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” 24 When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.

think:  It is essential that society does not lose the art of etiquette and respect, because it will help us honor the human dignity of each person.

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Sirah 1-5

                                                                                                         SABBATH PAUSE

THE GOD WHO SAVES

The psalms make good reflection for our meditation since they are hymns and prayers of the common people. In every psalm, we can see our own lives expressed. What we find difficult in expressing, the psalmist has made

known. Psalms can be a fantastic aid to prayer and intimate conversation with the Lord. The Divine Office, or Prayer of The Church, once prayed only by priests and religious, has now been made available for the laity.

       The ancient method of prayer Lectio Divina, or Divine Reading, is an aid to pray the psalms. By taking a key phrase or word, one allows himself to be nourished and enlightened by the Word of God. I often encourage

those I direct to use this method — those who are just starting out in their prayer lives and those who are seeking direction and guidance. The psalm says it all — laments, forgiveness, joy and thanksgiving.

       The Responsorial Psalm or Canticle in the readings today is the response of Hannah, echoed by Mary in the Gospel. Hannah acknowledges herself as part of the people of God whom He has saved. Hannah is invoking God’s assistance and salvation. In a time of praise and thanksgiving, she adds her voice — that the God who saves and exalts the humble has come to her aid.

       On this last Sunday of Advent, we are near to the great celebration of God Incarnate. The Canticle or Responsorial Psalm of today is fulfilled in Jesus. He is the Helper and Rescuer of humanity. He comes to restore the vineyard of God, namely Israel, and now the Church. Truly, we find in Jesus the God who has looked down from heaven and seen the great confusion of mankind. In His loving-kindness, He has rescued His people from danger of sin. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

REFLECTION QUESTION: Read the responsorial psalm and practice the lectio divina method of prayer. What phrase or word strikes your attention?

Lord, I turn to you in my need. You are my rescue and help. O God, come to my aid.