Merry Christmas!!

Gospel Reflection for December 25, 2023

“When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.” (Luke 2:15-20 NABRE)

The Advent season is often such a busy time of year that we become distracted from the reason we are celebrating. There’s normally so much hustle and bustle with events and parties to attend, family to visit, and gifts to purchase, that the Christmas season sometimes flies by in a blur. For this reason, Christmas often becomes a stressful time of year for many people, rather than being a time of hope, love, joy, and peace.

Though we may mean well and have good intentions when we desire to lovingly buy gifts for others and spend time with family, these things sometimes distract us. The hustle and bustle often takes our attention away from focusing on the birth of our Lord and Savior.

In today’s Gospel, the shepherds immediately sought out the Lord when He called them. Upon being told of Jesus’ birth, they traveled in haste to find Him and glorified God when they saw that the angel’s message had been true.

Have you, also, sought in haste to find Jesus and to become closer to Him this Christmas season?

Amidst the traveling, family time, food, gifts, and music on this very special day, may we keep in mind the reason behind our celebrating. Like the shepherds, may we seek to find Jesus, pay Him homage, and glorify God on this wonderful day of the Lord’s birth!

Merry Christmas!!