Is 9:1-6
Ti 2:11-14
Lk 2:1-14
It’s been a dark time. The days have been growing shorter, the light becoming less and less, yet we have reason for hope. I checked sunrise and sunset times for my home, Louisville, Ky. and saw that on Dec. 21, the sun rose at 7:56 A.M. and set at 5:26 P.M., a short day indeed. Yet today, Dec. 24, 2007, the sun rose at 7:57 A.M. and sets at 5:28 P.M. A longer day, not by much perhaps, but longer none the less. No wonder ancient humans looked for the winter solstice, the return of the light, for with light comes hope that the world will continue. Today we await the rise of the Son, bringing new light, a previously unknown light into the world. With this Sonrise we have hope, hope that our redemption has come, that we need have no fear, that our God has kept the promise of salvation. God enters our history in a real and personal way, and opens for us the way of peace. Little wonder that the prophet says, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing.” The darkness is banished, not only for a season, but for all time, for those who choose to follow the path of peace given us by the rise of the Son. Let us this day, this day of great joy and celebration, dedicate ourselves to following that Light, seeking true peace, seizing the salvation offered us in the rising of the Son.
May the Blessings and Peace of Christ be yours this Joyous Christmas Season.
Deacon John
The Vigil of Christmas
Dec. 24, 2007
Ti 2:11-14
Lk 2:1-14
It’s been a dark time. The days have been growing shorter, the light becoming less and less, yet we have reason for hope. I checked sunrise and sunset times for my home, Louisville, Ky. and saw that on Dec. 21, the sun rose at 7:56 A.M. and set at 5:26 P.M., a short day indeed. Yet today, Dec. 24, 2007, the sun rose at 7:57 A.M. and sets at 5:28 P.M. A longer day, not by much perhaps, but longer none the less. No wonder ancient humans looked for the winter solstice, the return of the light, for with light comes hope that the world will continue. Today we await the rise of the Son, bringing new light, a previously unknown light into the world. With this Sonrise we have hope, hope that our redemption has come, that we need have no fear, that our God has kept the promise of salvation. God enters our history in a real and personal way, and opens for us the way of peace. Little wonder that the prophet says, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing.” The darkness is banished, not only for a season, but for all time, for those who choose to follow the path of peace given us by the rise of the Son. Let us this day, this day of great joy and celebration, dedicate ourselves to following that Light, seeking true peace, seizing the salvation offered us in the rising of the Son.
May the Blessings and Peace of Christ be yours this Joyous Christmas Season.
Deacon John
The Vigil of Christmas
Dec. 24, 2007
1 comment:
Preparing to go to Mass tonight I wonder if our celebration extends to the rejoicing of the angels meeting the shepherds in the fields..."be not afraid"
I hope you are doing well John.
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