Breaking Open the Word
By James Cavanagh
Nativity of the Lord
Dec. 25 (midnight Mass)
Scripture readings:
• Isaiah 9:1-6
• Psalm 96:1-3; 11-13
• Titus 2:11-14
• Luke 2:1-14
Overview: The first reading from Isaiah is one of the best known messianic prophesies in the Old Testament and one of the most memorable pieces from Handel’s famous Messiah. It was originally composed as a coronation song celebrating the accession of the messianic king who would bring joy to the world, fulfilling the promises of the covenant. It was written when Israel labored under the heavy “yoke” of Assyrian oppression. The long hoped-for messiah will vanquish the enemy and govern with the wisdom of Solomon, the courage of David and the virtue of Moses. He will establish justice and peace throughout the earth and his dominion will last forever. The reading from Paul’s letter to Titus combines Christ’s first appearance—“The grace of God has appeared”—with his final appearance at the end of time: “as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of our great God.” The second coming of Christ, which is the dominant theme of Advent, is inseparable from his first appearance at Bethlehem. It’s important to keep these two things together lest Christmas become mere sentimentalism. Christ comes first in humility as a baby born in a stable; his birth is heralded by the angels who sing of God’s triumphant glory. The heavenly host that appears to the shepherds gives voice to the whole creation, singing “Glory to God in the highest!”
Key verse: “Then shall all the trees of the forest exult! Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord!” (Responsorial Psalm)
“Catechism of the Catholic Church”: “From the Incarnation to the Ascension, the life of the Word incarnate is surrounded by the adoration and service of angels. When God brings the firstborn into the world, he says: ‘Let all God’s angels worship him.’ Their song of praise at the birth of Christ has not ceased resounding in the Church’s praise: ‘Glory to God in the highest!’” (No. 333).
Pope Benedict XVI: “In Psalm 96 Israel, and the Church, praises God’s grandeur manifested in creation. All creatures are called to join in this song of praise, and so the Psalm also contains the invitation: ‘Let all the trees of the wood sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes.’ The trees in the cities and in our homes should be something more than a festive custom: they point to the One who is the reason for our joy—the God who comes, the God who for our sake became a child. In the end, this song of praise, at the deepest level, speaks of him who is the very tree of new-found life” (Homily, Dec. 25, 2008).
Life application: There are few more magical moments than Christmas morning when children discover that special gift just for them under the tree. Christmas, of course, is not just about presents. Lest the commercial and sentimental aspects of the season get the best of us the Church reminds us that the best gifts aren’t the ones you buy in a store, but the ones that come from God. Indeed it is the gift of God himself that we celebrate at Christmas. Acknowledg-ing this wonderful gift, we give voice to every creature under heaven as we join the heavenly chorus: “Glory to God in the highest!”
