Homily For The Solemnity of the Lord’s Nativity ( Christmas). Saturday 25th December, 2021

 Homily For The Solemnity of the Lord’s Nativity ( Christmas). Saturday 25th December, 2021. 

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

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

CHRISTMAS, THE MANIFESTATION OF THE MYSTERY OF GOD’S LOVE FOR HUMANITY

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 saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among men of good will.”

 Concerning this mystery John in our Gospel passage today says: In the beginning was the Word: and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things came to be, not one thing had its being but through him. All that came to be had life in him and that life was the light of men, a light that shines in the dark, a light that darkness could not overpower.

Yes, today we celebrate Christmas, 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, he has come to offer us his Divinity in exchange for our sinful humanity, so that we can be with him and become like him, for this 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. So this Christmas the Lord has come to illuminate the darkness of our sinful world with the light of true love.

But dear friends, what is so special about Christmas? What do Christmas signifies in our lives? Why do people’s attitude change during Christmas? What is it that makes us talk about the spirit of Christmas? Why is it that every Christmas season we let loose of our generosity. Why do we have to travel, Why do we have to visit people especially the sick, the prisoners? Why do we have to feed the hungry at this Christmas season? What is so special about Christmas that makes us to be more charitable, more accommodating and more sacrificial without seeking for any rewards? The answer to these questions is found in the message of the Angel who announced the Good News of great joy to us. For today a Savour is born to us, the Prince of Peace is born to us. He is the Word made Flesh and dwell among us. He is the love of God made manifest in our midst. Hence Christmas is the manifestation of the mystery of God’s love for humanity, so we celebrate it with great joy.   

More so, 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 will be available, loving concern for the weak, the poor and the suffering will fill our hearts, the grace of forgiveness and grace of peace in our homes, societies, and the world at large will be activated. 

Therefore, Christ the love of the Father is our Light and our Peace, and he proclaims his peace to those far away and to those who are near. This is 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”, his Divinity in exchange for our sinful humanity.

Hence, 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 the peace and 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.