Christmas - The Nativty of the Lord

Sunday, December 2, 2022

First Reading: Isaiah 9:2-4, 6-7
Psalm #96 R. Today a saviour has been born, thus, He is Christ the Lord! 
Second Reading:  Titus 2:11-14
Gospel Acclamation Verse: (Luke 2:10-11) Good news and great joy to all the world;
today is born our Saviour, Christ the Lord.
Gospel:  Luke 2:1-16
Theme:  Rejoice all the earth! God became man, and lived among us to save us from evil.

Commentary by Jane Prini

Today a saviour has been born. He has been born to us. Today a saviour has been born, He is Christ the Lord! (Psalm 98). There is great joy in all the readings today. God has sent a saviour as he promised our ancestors. He has arrived! 

But why does it matter that God became man, was born of a young virgin, and that he was “to be named, Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (see Matthew 1:22)? It matters, because if it is true that God became one of us to save us, then it was a turning point in history. And it is very true. It is, as the angel proclaimed to the shepherds watching their sheep, a moment of ‘great joy for all the people’. We have great reason to rejoice. We are celebrating the moment when a world tired of violence, hurt and worry can finally rejoice and forever proclaim the name of Jesus; the one who frees us from the evil around us, gives us the peace of knowing what we are really worth and shows us how to walk the path of love. 

Have you ever dared to let Jesus be born into your life so completely that your soul felt how precious, magnificent and loved you are? Do you know that if you would have been the only person on earth, Jesus still would have come to save you? You are loved that much. Each of us is loved that much.  

Yes, we have much to be joyful for. Our God, the one who created us and sustains our lives, has sent his son, Jesus, to live among is and it is by his death and his resurrection (another reason to rejoice), that we can choose to have a friendship with him like that of a best friend forever. When we say yes to Jesus being born in our souls, when Jesus becomes the reason we do little things with great love, our souls feel that joy, peace and love. We receive hope and we can in turn bring hope to those we are with. 

May you know the worth of your soul and join the angels and saints singing out: Glory to God in the highest, for today in the city of David, a saviour is born onto you. Tis Christ, the Lord.!

Merry Christmas!
Have you signed up for Come to Bethlehem?
At Holy Cross, Sunday, January 8, 2023 - 1:30pm 

We are getting so excited to see you there!  It is FREE. 
Please register. We need to know who is coming to prepare for you.

Family Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to open our hearts and minds to love like Jesus loved. Help us to remember that Jesus is the reason we celebrate today with great joy. He is our Lord Jesus Christ, your son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen

Discussion starters: (Choose one or more of these after reading today’s scripture readings)

1. Have you ever let Jesus to be born in your life? Have you told him you want to be his disciple and to know him like a best friend forever? Share this with your family.
2. Even when unexpected things happen, we can be full of joy? Share how that can be possible.
3. No activity page today; spend it enjoying your family Christmas traditions. 

CLICK, READ MORE FOR FAMILY RESOURCES, Colouring Page, Cross Word Puzzle and Word Search
 

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