DECEMBER 25, 2021
SATURDAY DAY 25
LET’S GO TO BETHLEHEM (1)
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 7:14
Our scriptural reference today says, “Well then, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: a young woman who is pregnant will have a son and will name him Immanuel”. Beloved in Christ, let us go today to Bethlehem in the company of the shepherds and adoring Magi to pay homage to the newborn king of the universe. Let us join the whole world to rejoice, today, saying, “Unto us a child is born, unto us, a child is given” (Isaiah 9:6). Friend, Jesus is the incarnate of the Father, our God, yet he is our Brother and friend. Jesus is the fulfilment of the promise of God to man when Adam and Eve fell. When Adam and Eve fell, God, in His compassion and love made clothes, garments of skin for them and clothed their nakedness. In the same way, God came down to the earth, by taking the form of flesh in the womb of our Blessed Mary and was given to us on this day. St. Paul writing to the Colossians said, “He (Jesus) is the image of the unseen God and for all creation, He is the firstborn, for in Him in all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible: thrones, rulers, authorities, powers… all were made through Him” (Colossians 1:15-16).
Let us therefore adore and admire Him. Let us take note and be thankful to God on His miraculous conception. His conception was a thing unheard of before and unparalleled since; that a virgin should conceive and bear a son. Hear Jeremiah 31:22b, “The Lord has created a new thing in the earth; a woman shall protect a man”. God is so magnificent and wonderful. Since a woman (Eve) led the way into sin that made man lose paradise, she and she alone ushers in the one who could regain paradise. By the power of the Holy Spirit, He was born of the virgin without the tint of original sin, which belongs to all those born of the flesh.
Beloved, on this day, let us reverently bow down before the holy child whose innocence restores to mankind its ancient glory that was lost in our first parents, Adam and Eve. Let us pray today that this holy child may be formed in us, “the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). Let this day be celebrated in prayer and thanksgiving to God the Father for His love for us sinful men. It should be a day for sober reflection and deep seated thanks to God the Father for His love.
MASS: WHITE: Vigil: Is 9:2-7; Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 11-12a, 12b-13(R. Lk 2:11); Titus 2:11-14; Accl. I bring you news of a great joy: to us is born this day a Saviour, Christ the Lord; Gospel. Lk 2:1-14 THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD (SOLEMNITY)
Prayer points:
1. Take any worship song to praise the name of God.
2. Thank God for the opportunity of another Christmas celebration.
3. Pray for all who are yet to accept Jesus Christ as the Saviour.
4. Pray that the Spirit of the child Jesus may take home in the hearts of your relations, friends and mankind.
5. Pray and cancel all forms of accidents especially fire (take seriously).
Exercise: Sing the Magnificat, today as many times in praise of God’s goodness.
Meditation: Matthew 1:23