HOMILY FOR CHRISTMAS DAY YEAR A.
THEME: YOU ARE CHRISTMAS!!!
BY: Fr. Augustine Ikechukwu Opara
HOMILY FOR 25TH DECEMBER.
Today is not a day of long speeches. It is simply a day of practical joy. The overwhelming joy I see radiating on the faces of every one of you. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone” were Isaiah’s words for a succinct analysis of Christmas. And Paul says “beloved; the grace of God has appeared…” How? The Psalmist replies “today is born our savior Christ the Lord. And the host of Angels shout “glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace for those he favors”. “Those he favors” who are these favored people? St. John gives us the answer in his gospel chapter 1 that I call the summary of the mystery of the incarnation, “he came to his own and his own people did not receive Him. But to those who did accept Him, He gave the power to become children of God, to those who believed in his name” (John 1:11-12).
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The question now is what is Christmas? Crazy question, right? I want to answer in the words of Pope Frances’ Christmas message on December 23rd, 2017, “…Christmas is you, when you decide to be born again each day and let God into your soul. The Christmas pine is you when you resist vigorous winds and difficulties of life. The Christmas decorations are you when your virtues are colors that adorn your life. The Christmas bell is you when you call, gather, and seek to unite. You are also a Christmas light, when you illuminate with your life the path of others with kindness, patience, joy, and generosity. The Christmas angels are you, when you sing to the world a message of peace, justice, and love. The Christmas star is you when you lead someone to meet the Lord. You are also the wise men, when you give the best, you have no matter who. Christmas music is you when you conquer the harmony within you. The Christmas gift is you when you are truly friend and brother of every human being. The Christmas card is you when kindness is written in your hands. The Christmas greeting is you, when you forgive and reestablish peace, even when you suffer. The Christmas dinner is you, when you sated bread and hope to the poor man who is by your side….
Today more than ever our world needs love, therefore my brothers, and sisters to have the light that Christmas brings, to share in the grace that Christmas brings, to share in the joy of the new baby savior, to join your voice in the echoes of the angels, to be among the favored, and especially to be a child of God, you must be “CHRISTMAS” always and every time of the year!
FELIZ NAVIDAD
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