SOCL, Christmas, Vigil

Cycle A,B,C

December 24, 2024

Tomorrow the wickedness of the earth will be destroyed: the Savior of the world will reign over us.

See

Tracing origins has always been of interest and nowadays it is possible to have a sample of your DNA tested to find out what kind of genetic mix you are. It can lead to surprises! Jesus also had shadows in his genealogy, as is normal. There is hope, too, in the ancestors: God can write straight with our crooked lines. The shadows are not simply in our past, somehow in others, but in each of us as well. But the great message of the Gospel is that our past does not always have to stalk us—there is total forgiveness and even amnesia in God: I, I am the one who blots out your rebellious deeds for my sake; your sins I do not remember. (Isa 43:25)

Listen

Isaiah 62:1-5; Ps 89 (88); Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Matthew 1:1-25

Reflect

(Matthew 1:1-25)

-Every family tree contains shadows, shadows which can overshadow later generations. What have you learned about yourself from your family history?

-In the narrative, Joseph faces a very challenging situation with a combination of kindness and logic, only to have both sent aside by the surprise of God. Have you had that experience too?

-God-with-us is a powerful expression, inviting me to reflect on my own experience of God with me in my life. Can I name any important moments of God’s presence?

-Every birth is a blessing—even my own! Am I still a blessing to those around me?

Pray

God of generations, You weave our lives into Your great story of salvation. Help us, like Joseph, to trust beyond our understanding, To choose love over convention, And to recognize Your presence in unexpected places. Transform our "Forsaken" moments into "My Delight," Our fears into faithful action, Our doubts into dreams of Your purpose. As we celebrate Emmanuel, "God with us," Make our hearts ready to welcome You anew, Not just in the manger, But in every moment of our lives. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.