Thursday, December 25th

Scripture

Is 52: 7-10
Ps 98: 1-6
Heb 1: 1-6
JN 1: 1-5, 9-14

Reflection

“How beautiful on the mountains / are the feet of those who bring good
news, / who proclaim peace, / who bring good tidings, / who proclaim
salvation…” Is 52:7
“In the beginning there was the Word. The Word was with God…the
Word was God…All things were created by the Word, nothing was made
without the Word. In the Word there was life, and that life was the light
of all people. The Light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overpowered it.” JN 1: 1-5

One of the better things about aging is that as years accumulate, the desire to accumulate “things” decreases. In aging we, hopefully, become less interested in giving and receiving presents (though it’s still fun to give or unwrap a gift) and more desirous of giving and receiving presence. That’s what our readings are all about every
Christmas morning as we celebrate the gift of the greatest present ever in the incarnation of God’s presence; first in the human person of Jesus the Christ, and then in every one of us. Once we’ve received, unwrapped, and accepted that “present” deep into our lives, (as we’re given the chance to do over and over each December 25th), what more could we possibly desire other than to give away that “present” every day and in every circumstance of our lives. Doing this, we become the beautiful feet (and hands and hearts) bringing the good news, proclaiming peace, and being light that shines in every darkness through our very presence.

Prayer

Holy One, as we receive the present of Your light and love in
the incarnation again this Christmas, grant us the strength and
courage to be Your presence in all our being and doing today and
every day.

Personal Challenge

How, and with whom, can I be a presence of good tidings and light
today and again tomorrow?

Sister Christine Parks, CSJ
Kalamazoo, MI