The Solemnity of the Lord’s Nativity ( Christmas). Friday 25th December, 2020

 The Solemnity of the Lord’s Nativity ( Christmas). Friday 25th December, 2020. 

Readings :Is. 52:7-10, Ps 98, Have 1:1-6, John 1:1-18

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

THE PRINCE OF PEACE IS BORN TO THE WORLD TODAY

Today Christ is born, today the Prince of Peace is born, today great light has shone on the darken world of humanity. Today the people who walked in darkness of sin and shame, a great light has shone, God has visited his people.

 So, let us join the angels’ hymn of praise, as they sing out following the announcement of the new-born Saviour: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among men of good will.” 

For today we celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ our Saviour in a stable in Bethlehem. In the stable of Bethlehem, there appeared the great light which the world awaits. He is the Christ, the Word that was with God from the beginning. The Word that is the true light that enlightens all men. This Word has come into the world, for the Word was made Flesh and dwell among us, the Son of God who became man. To him the Father says: "You are my Son, today I have begotten you”. God has become one of us, so that we can be with him and become like him, for his is how we come to know him.

Little wonder, prophet Isaiah in our first reading says: “How beautiful on the mountains, are the feet of one who brings good news, who heralds peace, brings happiness, proclaims salvation, and tells Zion, ‘Your God is king, for all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.” Thus, those who dwelt in the land of deep darkness a great light has shone. This light means knowledge; it means truth, as contrasts with the darkness of falsehood and ignorance. This Light gives us life, it shows us the way to love. For in him is the fullness of love. Where there is love, light shines forth for the world; but when there is hatred, the world remains in darkness. 

Hence, in Child Jesus lying in the manger, God has shown his glory, the glory of love in order to guide us along the way of love. From manger a stream of light, love and truth  will spread to every generation. In every age, it will touch men and women to enlighten them. And wherever people put their faith in Jesus, the grace of charity will spring up, the grace of love towards others, loving concern for the weak, the poor and the suffering, the grace of forgiveness and grace of peace in our homes, societies, and the world at large. 

Dear friends, Christ is our Light and our Peace, and he proclaims his peace to those far away and to those who are near. This why prophet Isaiah called him "Prince of Peace". His kingdom is said to be one "of endless peace". Also Pope Benedict XVI will say: that “among we Christians and Catholic, the word "peace" has taken on a very particular meaning: it has become a word to designate communion in the Eucharist. There Christ’s peace is present. In all the places where the Eucharist is celebrated, a great network of peace spreads through the world. The communities gathered around the Eucharist make up a kingdom of peace as wide as the world itself. For, when we celebrate the Eucharist we find ourselves in Bethlehem, in the "house of bread". Where Christ gives himself to us and, by so doing, he gives us his peace”

Therefore, let us join Mary, Joseph, the angels and the shepherds in the manger to sing the glorious hymns of praise saying: "Glory to God in the highest" and on earth, peace to people of good will". Let us spread these joy and peace everywhere we go even to the ends of the earth. And as we do this may joy of the child Jesus fill our hearts, our homes, our societies, our country and the world a large, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.

Merry Christmas, wishing you a joyful and peaceful celebration of this season. God bless you.