SOCL, Christmas Day

Cycle A,B,C

December 25, 2024

A holy day has dawned upon us. Come, you nations, and adore the Lord. For today a great light has come upon the earth.

See

There is on-going research into how certain animals manage to communicate, establishing some commonality with human beings. Such investigation makes it clear, however, that language, in its complexity and depth, is distinctively human, a mark of who we are. When we speak, something of who we are goes out from us, so to speak. Words are personal, mysterious, powerful (cf. a soft tongue can break a bone. Prov 25:15). God, too, discloses himself: in the “word” of creation, in the words of the prophets and, now, in the Word made flesh, God’s deepest and most personal disclosure. We give thanks for God’s “eloquence” in Jesus of Nazareth, as we mark his birth.

Listen

Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 98 (97); Hebrews 1:1-6; John 1:1-18

Reflect

(John 1:1-18)

-“In the beginning” takes me back to my own new creation in Christ—back to significant moments—perhaps even to a single moment which stands out as the beginning of my own belonging in Christ. A prayer of praise.

-Life—what makes me alive, taking hold of my imagination and energy? How is my life in Christ? Prayer of gratitude.

-Light—a fabulous imagery. It may be that some particular land or seascape stands out in my memory as having an especially beautiful light. Prayer of enlightenment.

-The dark side of refusal and rejection—in my life I probably have said both yes and no to grace. Where am I now in my life? Prayer of pilgrimage.

-Wisdom was God’s presence—a feminine presence, because (to use Biblical language) just as a man is “incomplete” without the love and companionship of a woman, the human person needs to be complemented by God’s wisdom.

-The power of language in my experience as an entry point to appreciating the Word made flesh. What word am I hearing especially today?

Pray

Eternal Word made flesh, You who spoke the universe into being and now speak to us through a newborn's cry, who sustain all things yet depend on human hands for care, help us to see Your glory in the ordinary, hear Your voice in the silence, and recognize Your light in the darkness, so that we may become bearers of Your good news, singers of Your new song, and children who reflect Your grace and truth, making our lives dwelling places where others encounter Your presence, and all the earth sees Your saving power at work in us; through Christ, the Word made flesh. Amen.

SOCL, Christmas, Dawn

Cycle A,B,C

December 25, 2024

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.

See

Sharing the excitement is a very human response. We have all done it at some stage: some great news in the family, perhaps at a promotion or the discovery of a place of spectacular beauty or some situation has turned around. The desire to let others know tells us that sharing such experiences is itself part of the original delight. Something similar may be said of the sense of discovery and delight we find in the Good News of Jesus. Like, the prophets of old (Jeremiah 6:19) or like St Paul (1 Cor 9:16), we just can’t keep it in! We want, we need to let others know to complete our delight and our sense of discovery.

Listen

Isaiah 62:11-12; Psalm 97 (96); Titus 3:4-7; Luke 2:15-20

Reflect

(Luke 2:15-20)

-The shepherds "went in haste" to find Jesus. Consider your own eagerness to encounter Christ. What moves you to seek Him with urgency in your daily life?

-"Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart." In the midst of the Christmas excitement, how do you make space for quiet reflection and wonder?

-The city once called "Forsaken" becomes "Frequented." Reflect on areas in your life where God has transformed abandonment into abundance. How has God's presence renewed you?

-The shepherds returned "glorifying and praising God." After encountering Christ, how does your life reflect and share the joy of this experience with others?

-The shepherds were both frightened and thrilled. Good news can sometimes be terrifying. Pregnancy and the birth of a child can give rise to both feelings. Hopefully the joy and wonder at new life outweigh the fear and apprehension. What has been your experience?

Pray

God of the Dawn, You break into our world with new light, transforming shepherds into evangelists and the forgotten into Your holy people; help us, like Mary, to treasure Your presence in the quiet of our hearts, and like the shepherds, to share with joy all we have seen and heard, so that we may become frequented places of Your grace, never forsaken and always renewed by the kindness and generous love You have poured out in Jesus, letting this Christmas dawn renew our hope and make us bearers of Your light; through Christ, our newborn Lord. Amen.

SOCL, Christmas, Midnight

Cycle A,B,C

December 24, 2024

I proclaim to you good news of great joy: today a Savior is born for us, Christ the Lord.

See

In the darkest part of night, when shepherds watch and empires count their subjects, God chooses to illuminate our world in the most unexpected way. A child in a manger becomes the answer to humanity's deepest longings. Isaiah's prophecy of light dawning upon those in darkness finds its fulfillment not in grand palaces but in the simplicity of Bethlehem. While Caesar Augustus seeks to count his subjects, God chooses to be counted among them. The great irony of Christmas is that the Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, and Prince of Peace arrives not with armies but in swaddling clothes, teaching us that true power lies in vulnerability and love.

Listen

Isaiah 9:1-7; Psalm 96 (95); Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14

Reflect

(Luke 2:1-14)

-"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light." Reflect on the dark places in your life and world that need Christ's light. How can you help carry this light to others?

-Shepherds, considered among the lowest in society, were the first to receive the good news. Consider how God continues to reveal himself to the humble and overlooked. Where do you see God working in unexpected places?

-"There was no room for them in the inn." Meditate on the areas of your life where you might be too full to welcome Jesus. What needs to be cleared out to make room for Christ?

-The angels proclaim "peace to those on whom his favor rests." How can you be an instrument of this peace in your family, community, and world?

Pray

Prince of Peace, born in the silence of night, transform our darkness into light and our fear into joy, that we may see You in humble places, hear Your voice in unexpected messengers, and, like the shepherds, angels, and Mary, embrace Your presence, sharing Your good news and becoming Your light and peace for the world.