And the Word Became Flesh: Reflections on the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)

Christmas. At Last! Our long wait is over. The time is fulfilled. Our patience is rewarded. “A savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.”

The multiple readings for the various Christmas masses (there are four) cover a lot of ground. The readings you hear will be determined by what was selected by your parish and which mass you attend. Of course, they are all relevant, but they tell different parts of the story. Just so you know, I have my biases (we all do) and so I will focus on those while trying to bring in aspects from some of the others.

My favorite gospel is the gospel of John. So, the mass during the day includes some of my favorite passages from the beginning of his gospel, highlighting the new beginning which Christmas presents. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ... the light of the human race; ... The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. ... And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.” What better description can we have of Our Lord? The Word, the Son of God, the Light of the World, come to dwell with us. In some ways I wish that this reading was read at the beginning of all these masses as it sets the whole stage for this great solemnity.

Other gospels tell the story of Jesus’s lineage, “the son of David, the son of Abraham.” Some parishes will probably use the shorter version which eliminates the litany of generations from Abraham to David to Jesus but one should take the time to at least look at them to get a sense of the historical context as you read names like Isaac, Jacob, David, Solomon, Ruth, Jesse, Ahaz, Amos, and others which should be familiar from the various readings during the Liturgical Year.

In this as well as other Christmas masses angels play a prominent; part from convincing Joseph that the child is a product of the Holy Spirit, to announcing the Royal birth to the shepherds, and the shepherds’ travel to find the baby in the manger. The heavenly host proclaims the Christmas message to us all, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

The various first readings talk of rejoicing, vindication, the coming of the savior of God, restoration, and, from Isaiah, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light,” which is reflected in that wonderful beginning to John’s gospel (Mass during the Day). Salvation has come from David’s throne, “For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.”

These themes are reiterated in the various responsorial psalms including David’s throne, savior, salvation, and the saving power of God. The glory of God shines its saving light upon us; “the Lord is born for us.” The psalm for the mass during the night referring to features of nature sounds like excerpts from the powerful carol, “Joy to the World,” one of the most popular Christmas songs in the Americas. Its refrain is, “Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.”

The second readings all focus on the saving power of God through His Son, Jesus Christ. The reading from the Letter to the Hebrews meshes perfectly with the reading from John’s gospel; God “has spoken to us through the Son, whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe.” This reading also shows Jesus’s position as the Son and that “all the angels of God [should] worship him.”

The selections from Paul’s letter to Titus bring the Holy Spirit (and the whole Trinity) into play resulting in “the appearance of the glory of our great God and savior Jesus Christ.” And while the Blessed Mother seems to get only minimal focus in these selections (Joseph agreeing to take her into his home, giving birth, and being found by the shepherds), this should remind us that it is through Mary and the Holy Spirit that Jesus, “The true light, which enlightens everyone,” came into the world.

Since few people will attend more than one Christmas mass celebration, it is worthwhile to look at the varied readings from all of the masses (found here; this might be a good family exercise on Christmas Day). Together they give a powerful picture of the coming of our Savior into the world.

This is not simply the birthday of a child who became a key figure in world history, but the coming of the Son of God, our Savior, pre-announced and surrounded by many significant prophecies. No other figure in history had so many prophecies all of which have been fulfilled. We see the connection between the Old Testament and the New as shown in the Letter to the Hebrews: “In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son.” We see the Trinity at work. We see the angels and the saving power of God.

It is truly a time of rejoicing. Hopefully our Advent preparation has made this revelation, this fulfilment of God’s promise to mankind, more recognizable. Some say the Bible is 73 books, inspired by the Holy Spirit and written by multiple authors. In my mind, the Bible is One Book, with 73 chapters, each of which might have individual inspired authors, but which tells the story of God’s revealing Himself to His creation, making a promise to us, and keeping that promise; all of which tell us we need to trust in Him and be obedient to His word. “Not every one who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)

This is a new beginning. There is a long road ahead of all of us. Turn to Him who has come to save us and persevere. “Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.” (Romans 7:12)

“But he who endures to the end will be saved.” (Mt 10:22)