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Scripture
John 1:1-5, 9-14 In the beginning the Word already existed; the Word was with God, and the Word was God. From the very beginning the Word was with God. Through him God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without him. The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out. This was the real light—the light that comes into the world and shines on all people. The Word was in the world, and though God made the world through him, yet the world did not recognise him. He came to his own country, but his own people did not receive him. Some, however, did receive him and believed in him; so he gave them the right to become God's children. They did not become God's children by natural means, that is, by being born as the children of a human father; God himself was their Father. The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father's only Son. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Reflection In today’s Gospel, we see Jesus presented as the Word. In a beautiful poetic way, the writer Saint John brings us to the very beginning of time and reminds us that the Word was there from the beginning. The Word was made flesh and lived among us. This gospel passage also gives us the assurance that, if we come to know Jesus, we will become children of God. As Saint John Paul II, wrote, ‘the mystery of the birth of Jesus that took place over 2000 years ago must be lived today and every day. The Word that found a dwelling place in and through Mary comes to knock on our hearts this Christmas and every Christmas, today and every day.’ We are now his own people; the people Jesus lives among. This Christmas season we are invited again to open our hearts to him. To accept Him, means to respond generously to our call to love in ways that radiate God to the world. This is a call to building community so that everyone is cared for and valued. It means being people who are part of the transformation of the world into the Kingdom of God. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Prayer Christ Has No Body - Saint Teresa of Avila Christ has no body now but yours No hands, no feet on earth but yours Yours are the eyes through which He looks Compassion on this world Yours are the feet with which He walks to do good Yours are the hands with which He blesses all the world Yours are the hands Yours are the feet Yours are the eyes You are His body Christ has no body now on earth but yours. Amen. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Music The beautiful hymn of Saint Teresa of Avila reminds us how we must carry the love of God made manifest at Christmas into our daily lives. It is with our hands and feet, our words and actions that we are witnesses to the incarnation of Christ who loved us, died for us and asks us to bless the world. |
