Christmas 2024- Luke 2; John 1

 Churches provide several Scripture readings for Christmas, depending on the time of day and the number of services offered. Of course, all the Scripture readings are full of truth and meaning, but personally, I prefer Luke 2 for Christmas Eve and John 1 for Christmas Day. Luke 2 focuses on the humble events associated with the Messiah's Birth. John 1 focuses on the theological meaning of the Word becoming flesh. 

We can all benefit from thinking and praying about both perspectives on the Nativity. Both accounts proclaim the good news of Christ our Savior. The Child in the lowly manger is the divine Word made flesh for our salvation. Jesus came to save us, and He keeps coming into our lives. Glory be to God on high!

Advent 4 (year C)- Luke 1:38-56

 The Gospel for this week has two sections. The first section from Luke 1:38-45 refers to what was traditionally called the Visitation of the Virgin Mary. It tells of Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth. This biblical event has been observed on several dates on church calendars (July 2, May 31, and March 30), and it is certainly appropriate to highlight it on the Sunday before Christmas. The two holy women share their hope and faith in God's great acts to redeem His people.

The second section of this Sunday's Gospel, Luke 1:46-56 contains Mary's hymn of praise, usually known by its first word in Latin, Magnificat, "My Soul Magnifies". This biblical hymn has become a church canticle said or sung at vespers or evening prayer in the Western Church tradition. Mary praises God for His grace in choosing her to participate in His plan for redemption.

As Christmas draws closer, it is appropriate to spend some time reflecting upon the background provided in this Gospel selection from Luke 1. Elizabeth and Mary are special examples of people who receive divine grace and humbly submit to divine plans for redemption. Elizabeth is older and already tested by life experiences. Mary is younger and more innocent. Both of them are examples of humility joined with strong religious faith. They accept the call of God and submit to His plan for human salvation. May we also humbly and faithfully accept the call to be part of God's plan to save us and others!

Advent 3 (year C)- Luke 3:7-20

The Gospel for the Third Sunday in Advent is Luke 3:7-20. This is one of the Advent readings which speaks of the preparatory ministry of John the Baptist. This particular passage gives a good bit of detail about John's message. As the last of the Hebrew prophets before the Messiah, John the Baptist strongly proclaims the message of repentance as a major part of preparing for the Redeemer. John also preaches forgiveness and grace for the repentant, but the first step is awareness of and sorrow for sin. Without repentance, ideas of forgiveness are hollow.

Unfortunately, modern Christians often try to avoid the first step. The world and the worldly church want forgiveness and grace without repentance. So John the Baptist is a reminder of proper preparation for Christ's forgiving grace. Christians are still called to repent and also to be messengers of repentance, forgiveness, and grace. Even though Christ has accomplished His saving work, His work must continue to be applied to human lives over and over. Advent asks us to share in John's preparatory work. In ways appropriate to our vocations and situations, each of us should repent, accept divine grace, and apply John's message to our own lives and to the lives of those around us. 

Advent 2 (year C)- Luke 3:1-6

The Gospel for the Second Sunday in Advent is from Luke 3:1-6, the introduction to the ministry of John the Baptist. John warned the people of first-century Palestine to get ready for the coming of the Lord. He did not stress his own importance but pointed to the Messiah. As he pointed to the future redemption, John stressed two main themes: repentance and preparation.

During Advent, we do anticipate the joyful celebration of the Messiah's birth. However, we must not rush the season. Before we can properly appreciate the celebration, we must prepare a way for the Lord to come into our lives. And since we are all fallen and sinful creatures, an essential part of our preparation is repentance. We must turn both from our general corruption and from our particular failings. This is true during Advent and every day of our earthly lives. Only by this awareness can we appreciate the great joy that the birth of the Savior brings. In other words, human beings need to hear the rebuke of the prophets before we can really grasp the good tidings about Jesus Christ.

Advent 1 (year C)- Luke 21:33

 The Gospel for Advent 1, the first Sunday in a new Christian year, is from Luke 21:25-33. This selection points us to the themes related to Christ coming into the world in various ways. Advent is a time to emphasize spiritual and moral preparation for His arrival. It is a reminder of our constant need for renewed dedication to our faith in Christ.

As we move through Advent, one important reminder is to look to Holy Scripture. In Luke 21:33, Jesus says, "Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away."  Our Lord and the Apostles repeatedly warn us that this world is temporary and will pass away. Ultimately, the only things that are dependable are God, His Word, and His heavenly Kingdom. May we be open to learning from God's Word and respond in faith throughout Advent and all the days of our lives!