Christmas Eve December 24, 2018
Reflection on the WORD
Mary - Mother of Jesus: In today’s Gospel, “Mary gives birth to a Son; she wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger.” Mary’s fidelity, humility and simplicity are inspirations for us to imitate in our response God’s Will in our lives. Have we been faithful to God’s Will daily?
Lk 2:4-5,6b-7,89b-14
Joseph set out from the town of Nazareth in Galilee for Judaea, to David's town called Bethlehem, since he was of David's House and line, in order to be registered together with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to a son, her first-born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the living-space.
There were shepherds out in the fields keeping guard over their sheep during the watches of the night. An angel of the Lord stood over them and the glory of the Lord shone round them. They were terrified, but the angel said, ‘Do not be afraid. Look, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’ And all at once with the angel there was a great throng of the hosts of heaven, praising God with the words: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace for those he favours.

Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- •Jesus, Son of God, came into our world, born as a child through Mary in poverty and simplicity of a stable and in the piercing cold of the night. Emmanuel – “God-with-us” inserts Himself into our reality and saves us by His Perfect Love.
- •God chose to announce the Good News of His Incarnation first to the shepherds; the poorest of the poor of Israel. He deepened this Truth by revealing it to the Three Wise-men of the East to symbolise the universality of His Salvific Love.
- •Does the Lord find an eager welcome in your heart and home? Speak to the Lord and listen to what Jesus is telling you.
