Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 25, 2023

Date:  Christmas

 Scripture Text:  Luke 2:1-20

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled 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 her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:    “Glory to God in the highest        and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

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.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

 The gospel texts from the Vigil and the Mass at Dawn give us Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem and the visit of the shepherds, sent by the angels. Everything within the story speaks profoundly of how the LORD’s ways are not like our ways. Instead of a royal crib, the Son of God is placed in a manger. Instead of royalty coming to welcome the LORD, lowly shepherds are alerted and sent to visit. Salvation comes into our world quietly, humbly, gently.

The shepherds offer us a valuable example. They acted upon the LORD’s directive through the angels. They went where they were sent. And they offered glory and praise to the LORD for their experiences.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I open to my savior? Am I open to the LORD’s messengers in my life? Do I take time to offer praise to the LORD for all the goodness that I encounter and receive?

Praying:

LORD, You amaze us. In awe we come to You aware of all You are and all You give to us, wondering why. Who are we that You should send your beloved and only begotten Son to us as our Savior, our redeemer? And yet You care for us. Your love has no equal. Send your holy messengers to us LORD to guide us to You, to alert us to your will. Open our minds and hearts to hold the wonder of your love for us; stir within us the rightful and righteous love You desire. Make of us the ones You created us to be. Help us to embrace, love and follow your beloved Son, Jesus, all the days of our journey home to You. Amen.