Join us today as we celebrate Holy Communion for the Nativity of the Lord 2021 (recorded the afternoon of 12/25/21). To follow along at home, click here and print the Holy Communion Program. Text of today’s homily below.
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Homily for the Nativity of the Lord 2021
Readings: Is 52:7-10, Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6, Heb 1:1-6, Jn 1:1-5, 9-14
Brothers and sisters, the prologue of the Gospel of John describes Christ’s nature as the Word of God – the Way, the Truth and Life – and explains that if we accept Christ, who is the light of the human race, we can become children of God.
It can be hard to see his light because the modern world is so full of lesser, very distracting lights, stars, and luminaries of all kinds. Everywhere we turn there are headlights, streetlights, and stoplights; movie stars, YouTube stars, social media and news luminaries, and political meteors; cell phone screens, video game screens, TV screens, VR goggles, and the list goes on. On all sides, blinking lights and shiny toys distract and attract our attention. And let’s not forget the worst light of all, the light of Lucifer – whose name means “light bringer” – who rather than reflecting the light of Christ, illuminates instead our hearts’ desires for more – more fun, more food, more pleasure, power, fame, and “likes.” Distracted and re-directed by all of these different lights, we increasingly find ourselves led astray into discord, dispute, depression and disbelief in in Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Let us pause here and now on Christmas Day to focus our attention on Jesus Christ, the light of the human race, and to celebrate the day when his light first dawned on the earth. Because Jesus Christ is eternal, his light shines on all places, at all times, and for all people. And if we can look away from the distracting, worldly lights on every side and gaze toward the fixed point that is the light of Christ – if we can all walk together toward God – we can all grow closer. God draws all things toward one another by drawing them into himself. The nearer we get to him, the nearer we get to one another.
Stop looking down and look upward toward Christ. Join hands with your families, friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens – and walk toward the light born in Bethlehem. You see, we are not born brothers and sisters by flesh and blood, or the will of men can never unite us. We are made brothers and sisters only if we accept that we are all children of God.