The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) Vigil Mass: December 24, 2025
Readings: Isaiah 62:1-5; Psalm 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Matthew 1:1-25
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| Icon of Nativity |
What is it that makes us so excited about Christmas? Certainly, it is the commemoration of the birth of Jesus. An event that took place 2000 years ago still continues to fascinate us. It is an event that changed the course of history. It changed the global setting. It infused new life into the world, created a new culture and formed a new civilization. It is called Christian civilization. The fact of the birth of Jesus Christ, the God-man, has certainly changed the world forever. In fact, it continues to change and transform the world. The event of Jesus continues to shape and renew the lives of people of all ages. It is determental factor that the world continues to see holy men and women from so many countries dedicating their lives exclusively for the service of God and humanity. Therefore, Christmas is nothing but celebrating the life of a man who not only made history in the heart of humanity but continues to remake history through their lives as well.
1. Christmas: Infuses newness and freshness
One of the beautiful blessings this Christmas brings to us is an understanding of how God continues to love us. In other words, we feel God's closeness and proximity to us. God is not someone distant and faraway. A God who is not bothered about us. In fact, the very feeling of this great feast is that God continues to shape our lives and the world with so many global and personal events. God enters our lives in either a big or small way, yet it brings us a promise of hope and the possibility that we are all made for God.
One of the characteristics of a modern man is being skeptical. The fearful and anxiety-filled world does not allow us to believe even in ourselves and in our capabilities. We doubt about the state of ourselves, our families, our country, our church and even our world as well. That is why there are so many wars going on in the world between countries and within countries among various groups and tribes. Just like Joseph, we too doubt about the capacity of God for us. However, unknowingly, God comes into our lives like Joseph in his dream, giving us strength and courage, which makes us faithful to God. Because God is with us; Emmanuel is with us. God continues to dream with us and for us, infusing newness and freshness.
2. Christmas: Retelling the story of Jesus with a purpose
The celebration of the birth of Jesus continues to fascinate us with a purpose. The story of the baby child in a manger in Bethlehem is told and retold. This story continues to make headlines each year. We continue to celebrate this event in our Churches and families. Just as Joseph experienced that great love and hope soon after the visitation by the angel, it continues to drive us to do our part. That is to participate in the mystery of the life of the Son of God, Jesus our Lord. It is with a purpose. We are called to be supporters of our Lord, to walk in his footsteps as close disciples.
The retelling of the story of Bethlehem brings us closer to the person of Jesus and to his people. With Joseph, we too become listeners of the Word of God. We extend our mercy and compassion to others. We open our homes and hands to those people in need. We are ready to walk with others to wipe the tears and bring healing to those who are looking so much from us. We are called to be little messiahs to our people, just as the scripture says, let every tear be wiped away. In the world of suffering and death, thus we may bring solace and life, and where there are painful episodes, God's tender loving care and joy.
3. Christmas: History repeats with a hope that we learn
The event that we commemorate today is of historical nature. We honour the history and legacy of our Lord Jesus. We honour all that Mary, the mother, Joseph the foster father, angels, and the companions of hope to the couple went through and celebrated together. From a painful, not-so-ready world to accept the needy Mary and Joseph, we continue to learn that God knows how best to care for us. No place in the Inn or in the house, yet God provides even a manger; the animals are no doubt constant companions of humanity. They are the solace to the new mother and the child.
God knows how to write history. Perhaps not always in straight lines. God knows the best for us. At times, it might be difficult and tough, yet He shows the way, the best way possible. He knows to preserve our lives not only for now but for eternity. The story of Bethlehem continues to teach us from generation to generation that God never lets us down. He uplifts us as long as we are faithful to him. Risks are necesary and they must be taken. When things may not always be comfortable and beautiful, yet even in disturbances, discomfort and ugliness, God's blessings remain with us to make and remake us.
Questions for self-reflection
- How can I make this Christmas meaningful and joyful?
- In what way would I like to share the joy of Christmas with others?
- What lessons can I learn from the lives of Mary and Joseph?
Prayer
Loving God, on this holy day of Christmas, we thank You for the quiet miracle of Your Son born among us. In the fragile Child of Bethlehem, teach us humility, compassion, and hope. May His light soften our hearts, heal our divisions, and draw us closer to one another. Help us to welcome Christ not only in word and celebration, but in our daily choices of love and mercy. We offer You our gratitude, our joy, and our lives. We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.
- Fr Olvin Veigas, SJ
E-mail: olvinveigas@jesuits.net
Blog: Celebrate Faith
Video: YouTube
22 December 2025
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