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reflections and guide

Nativity of the Lord - Mass during the day

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First Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10

Background/Context

When Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians and the Israelites were hauled into captivity as slaves, Isaiah proclaimed it as “the wrath of God” because of Israel’s sinfulness. But, in a complete turnaround, God’s anger was taken away and Isaiah now announces that God will redeem Jerusalem and comfort His people.

In today’s passage, Isaiah bursts into praise for the messengers who brought the glad tidings that the Persian king, Cyrus the Great (who defeated the Babylonians), has made an edict that the captive Israelites can return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple. Isaiah calls for rejoicing because God has forgiven and redeemed His people.

Message/Meaning of the Reading

Redemption in Isarel’s law is used when a family buys back their property or a family member sold into slavery. We have been redeemed by God from slavery to sin. And who can be the better messenger of God’s plans of love for mankind than God’s Son himself, THE payment for our sin, born as a baby! No feet can truly be more beautiful! Today we rejoice because God has forgiven us. In the lowly baby in the manger, we “behold the salvation of our God”.

How to Proclaim

Proclaim the reading with strong conviction and exultant voice as the Good News is brought and spread through all the land. Pause before the last two lines to emphasize that the message of salvation is for all the peoples of the earth.

Word Watch

Isaiah - ai-ZAY-uh

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Responsorial Psalm: ALL THE ENDS OF THE EARTH HAVE SEEN THE SAVING POWER OF GOD!

The responsorial psalm is a hymn of praise for the fulfillment of God’s plan of salvation.

 

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Second Reading:Hebrew 1: 1-6

Background/Context of the Reading

The letter to the Hebrews was written by an apostle of Paul to the Christian Jews who were fiercely persecuted by pagans and fellow Jews. These Christians, considered traitors to Judaism, felt tempted to revert to their old religion. The author begins his letter by reminding the Hebrews who it is they have believed in and that it is madness not to believe in Jesus Christ.

Message/Meaning of the Reading

In this reading, the relationship between God and Christ is established – Christ is the “imprint” of God. The Babe in the manger is God’s living photo, reflecting the almighty, loving and wonderful God that we have. The heir of all things through whom all things were created was born in a lowly manger. He took on himself the punishment for our sins and is now seated at the right hand of God. How can we serve and put our faith in any other?

How to Proclaim

The reading is a treatise on the personhood of Jesus and must be read slowly in a clear, authoritative manner. There must be proper pausing when comparing the role of prophets to that of Jesus; and the status of angels to that of Jesus for more emphasis. Take care to have a longer pause before all the quoatations in the last paragraph to bring out the message of the reading.

Word Watch

Hebrews - HEE-brooz

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Gospel: Matthew 1:18-24

Background and Meaning

Do not be deceived by the frail and tiny Baby in the manger. He is GOD himself and those tiny hands created and sustains the world! In the battle between light and darkness, this Baby is God’s light who overcomes the darkness of sin, sadness, evil and the devil who is the author of all these. Though this Baby, fully God and truly Man, we have received “grace in place of grace”. The grace given through the old covenant was replaced by the grace and truth through this Baby, God in the flesh, the God of love’s most fabulous Gift to man!

Reflections

Let heaven rejoice and earth be glad, let all creation sing, let children proclaim through all the land - Hosanna to our King!

 

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