Reflections | Christmas Eve Mass

By SIDTP SoCom

Published on December 24, 2024

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 Messiah 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.”

On Christmas Eve, we hear the beautiful and familiar story of Jesus’ birth from the Gospel of Luke. This passage captures the humility of the birth of the Savior and reminds us of the deep love and grace God has for all people, regardless of status or wealth.

The scene begins with a decree from Caesar Augustus that requires everyone to be enrolled in a census. This seemingly insignificant political order sets the stage for the fulfillment of prophecy, as Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem. The simplicity of the setting is striking. Jesus, the Son of God, is not born in a palace or surrounded by wealth and power, but in a humble stable, wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. This contrast—God choosing to be born in such lowly circumstances—reveals His profound love for humanity. He comes not to the powerful or privileged, but to the poor, the forgotten, and the lowly.

The birth of Jesus is announced to shepherds, who, in the culture of the time, were often considered outcasts. But these humble workers are the first to receive the good news of great joy. The angels’ message is clear: “A Savior has been born for you.” This invitation is for everyone, no matter their station in life. God’s love does not discriminate; it reaches out to all who are open to receiving it.

The heavenly host’s praise of God, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests,” echoes the peace that Christ brings into the world. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of God’s grace, which can transform hearts and bring true harmony between God and humanity, and among people.

As we celebrate Christmas, this Gospel invites us to reflect on the simplicity and humility of Christ’s birth. Are we open to receiving Jesus into our hearts, just as the shepherds were? Do we recognize that the Savior comes to us, not in the form of power or grandeur, but in love, peace, and humility?

The message of Christmas is one of great joy and hope. The Savior is born, and through Him, God has entered our world to bring us salvation. In the midst of all the busyness and distractions of the holiday season, let us pause and remember that God is with us. May His peace, love, and grace fill our hearts and inspire us to share that light and joy with others. Merry Christmas!