Homily For Christmas Vigil, Year A
The Grace Of God Has Appeared – Emanuel
Readings: 1st: Is 9: 1-6: Ps: 95; 2nd: Titus 2: 11-14 Gos: Lk 2: 1-14
This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico. He is the Parish Priest of Parroquia la Resurrección del Senor, Canóvanas, and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. He was the chancellor of the Diocese of Fajardo Humacao, Puerto Rico. Fr. Canice is a member of the Academy of Homiletics. For more details and comments contact him at:
canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com
(https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8452-8392)
Dear brethren, this is the night that we have been preparing for the past four weeks. Today, unto us is born the Savior of the world. He is the prince of peace, the king of kings, and the Lord of lords.
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The good news is simple; God has fulfilled his promise to his people. God is with us. Most importantly, God has shown us his great mercy and love. With the events of this night, we have seen the incredible fidelity of God to us, his people.
Our first reading this Christmas night from the prophet Isaiah’s book captures and summarizes what we have achieved through Christ’s birth. The prophet says: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. On those who live in the land of deep shadow, a great light has shone.”
The light of God that shines on us is Christ, the newly born. He is the light of the nations and of all who have accepted him. Never again shall we walk in darkness. He came to dispel the darkness that darkened our hearts and our world.
Most importantly, with the birth of Christ this night, we have begun a new season of joy, a new season of our salvific history, and a new life full of hope, because God is with us.
As Titus captures it in our second reading, with the birth of Christ today: “The grace of God had appeared, and it has made salvation possible for the whole human race…The glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Also, this night we live in a new season of the Grace of God, which God himself has fashioned for us.
Finally, our duty during this time of Christmas is to do what the shepherds and angels did, adoring the child Jesus and singing the glory of the Lord. Therefore, our song today, and forever shall be: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men of goodwill, who enjoy God’s favors.”
Also, it behooves us to spread the good news to the ends of the world. That today, in Bethlehem, of Nazareth to us, is born a great savior. Rejoice brethren, for God, has shown us his great mercy. Merry Christmas!
Peace be with you!
Maranatha!
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