The Nativity of
the Lord (Mass during the day)
(Isaiah 52:7-10; Hebrews 1:1-6; John 1:1-18)
Sometimes it seems that Christmas was invented for
children. It provides them with the myth
of Santa Claus so that they know that others care for them. Christmas also stimulates children’s
imaginations with stories of angels, shepherds, and kings coming to visit one even
smaller than they.
To more tough-nosed observers, Christmas seems made for
the economy. They know that “Black
Friday” does not refer to the day Christ died, but to the day after
Thanksgiving when retailers start accruing profits. These viewers realize that without Christmas
sales there would be fewer goods to purchase, fewer people employed, and a simpler
lifestyle for most.
We might ask ourselves if satisfying children’s need for
love and boosting the economy are all that Christmas is about, why bother with
it? Hearing children whine because they
did not receive a gift that they ordered makes one wonder if they need
discipline not indulging. Diverting economic
resources to the superfluity of Christmas shopping also has a downside. It leaves less capital for much greater
necessities like education and health care.
But, of course, Christmas – no matter how much the
message is distorted – has a much deeper purpose. It recalls the event that brings ultimate meaning
and hope to a world shrouded in darkness.
It announces that the Creator has come to correct the blunders that his
most accomplished creatures have made.
He is the light that shines through the darkness of hatred. He is the life that overcomes depression and
death. He is the Word who speaks to each
of us that we are loved more than we can ever imagine, more than we can ever
deserve.
